quatrefoil

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In the second place, it is a quite open and flat quatrefoil--so separating itself from the belled quadrature of the heath, and the tubed and primrose-like quadrature of the cruciferć; and, both as a quatrefoil, and as an open one, it is separated from the foxgloves and snapdragons, which are neither quatrefoils, nor open; but are cinqfoils shut up 8.

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Definitions (7)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (2)

  1. noun A representation of a flower with four petals or a leaf with four leaflets, especially in heraldry.
  2. noun Architecture Tracery or an ornament with four foils or lobes.

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Examples

  • In the second place, it is a quite open and flat quatrefoil--so separating itself from the belled quadrature of the heath, and the tubed and primrose-like quadrature of the cruciferć; and, both as a quatrefoil, and as an open one, it is separated from the foxgloves and snapdragons, which are neither quatrefoils, nor open; but are cinqfoils shut up 8. —  Proserpina, Volume 2 Studies Of Wayside Flowers
  • Within the quatrefoil was a seated Figure, with something like scales in one hand, apparently representing our Lord in His glory. —  John Keble's Parishes
  • In the head of the larger arch is a quatrefoil, at the bottom of which are two carved brackets for sculpture. —  The Cathedral Church of York Bell's Cathedrals: A Description of Its Fabric and A Brief History of the Archi-Episcopal See
  • Above the quatrefoil is another representing the Redeemer seated on a cushioned throne with the Virgin, and below another representing St. Michael overcoming Satan. —  Chats on Old Lace and Needlework
  • In the second place, it is a quite open and flat quatrefoil -- so separating itself from the belled quadrature of the heath, and the tubed and primrose-like quadrature of the cruciferæ; and, both as a quatrefoil, and as an open one, it is separated from the foxgloves and snapdragons, which are neither quatrefoils, nor open; but are cinqfoils shut up! —  Proserpina, Volume 2 Studies Of Wayside Flowers
 

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle English quaterfoile : Old French quatre, four; see quatrain + Old French foil, leaf; see foil2.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Also quaterfoil, quarterfoil; from Middle English katrefoil, from Old French (and F.) quatrefeuille, from quatre, four (from Latin quattuor = English four), + feuille, leaf (from Latin folium, leaf): see four and foil.
 

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/ˈkætərfɔɪl/
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