Defn: Same as Pentavalent.
QUINSY Quin"sy, n. Etym: [Contr. fr. squinancy, F. esquinancie, L. cynanche a sort of sore throat, Gr. synanche sore throat, Gr. Hound, Anger, and Cynanche.] (Med.)
Defn: An inflammation of the throat, or parts adjacent, especially of the fauces or tonsils, attended by considerable swelling, painful and impeded deglutition, and accompanied by inflammatory fever. It sometimes creates danger of suffocation; — called also squinancy, and squinzey.
QUINT Quint, n. Etym: [F. quinte, fr. L. quintus, quinta, the fifth, quinque five. See Five.]
1. A set or sequence of five, as in piquet.
2. (Mus.)
Defn: The interval of a fifth.
QUINTAIN Quin"tain, n. Etym: [F. quintaine, LL. quintana; cf. W. chwintan a kind of hymeneal game.]
Defn: An object to be tilted at; — called also quintel. [Written also quintin.]
Note: A common form in the Middle Ages was an upright post, on the top of which turned a crosspiece, having on one end a broad board, and on the other a sand bag. The endeavor was to strike the board with the lance while riding under, and get away without being hit by the sand bag. "But a quintain, a mere lifeless block." Shak.