Coignes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The projecting corner or recess of a wall or building used for structural support
2. a decorative architectural element at the angle of a structure
3. specifically, a stone or brick at the corner that enhances the stability and appearance of a wall

Etymology: "Coignes" is the plural of "coigne", a variant of "coign", which in turn names a projecting corner or quoin of a building. The plural is a fine example of how a single word can split into two forms that both survive in English, since "coigne" and "coign" carry the same sense and differ only in spelling. The shared base word is "coign", and its variant spelling simply preserves an older form of the same term.

Synonyms: corners, edges