1. external corner stones of a building, typically made of a material contrasting with the walls
Usage: architecture
2. wedge-shaped blocks used to secure or level something
Usage: technical

Examples

• The brick building featured white limestone quoins at each corner.
• The mason carefully placed the decorative quoins to frame the doorway.
• Wooden quoins were used to stabilize the printing press.
• The restoration project required matching the original quoins exactly.
• Steel quoins held the heavy machinery in place during transport.