Quoin.
1. A wedge-shaped block. Specifically:— a. (Gaunery.) A wedge-shaped block of wood, having a handle inserted in its thicker extremity; used in some cases for giving the proper elevation to mortars, howitzers, and naval guns. b. (Printing.) One of the wedges by which the pages or columns of type are locked in a chase, ready for printing. c. (Nautical.) A wedge used as a chock in stowing casks, to prevent rolling.2. (Masonry.) An external angle of a wall. The term particularly refers to ashlar or brick corners which project beyond the general faces of the walls which meet at the angle. Rustic quoins are rusticated ashlars forming external projecting corners, the remainder of the wall being of ordinary masonry, rubble, or brick, with occasional piers of masonry. See rubble-masonry.
