squinch

/skwɪntʃ/

Other forms: squinched; squinches; squinching

Definitions of squinch

1. noun

   a small arch built across the interior angle of two walls (usually to support a spire)
   types:

   trumpet arch

   a conical squinch

   type of:

   arch

   (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
2. verb

   cross one's eyes as if in strabismus
   synonyms: squint

   type of:

   grimace, make a face, pull a face

   contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
3. verb

   crouch down
   type of:

   bend, bow, crouch, stoop

   bend one's back forward from the waist on down
4. verb

   draw back, as with fear or pain
   synonyms: cringe, flinch, funk, quail, recoil, shrink, wince

   types:

   retract, shrink back

   pull away from a source of disgust or fear

   type of:

   move

   move so as to change position, perform a nontranslational motion