Word Study
cinquefoil
CIDE DICTIONARY
cinquefoil, n. [Cinque five + foil, F. feuille leaf. See Foil.].
- The name of several different species of the genus
Potentilla ; -- also calledfive-finger , because of the resemblance of its leaves to the fingers of the hand. [1913 Webster] - An ornamental foliation having five points or cups, used in windows, panels, etc. Gwilt. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cinquefoil, n.
1 any plant of the genus Potentilla, with compound leaves of five leaflets.
2 Archit. a five-cusped ornament in a circle or arch.
1 any plant of the genus Potentilla, with compound leaves of five leaflets.
2 Archit. a five-cusped ornament in a circle or arch.
Etymology
ME f. L quinquefolium f. quinque five + folium leaf
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