coign

A noun referring to a wedge used in printing to secure a form within a chase, or the keystone of an arch.

• 🇫🇷Nom désignant un coin ou une cale utilisée en imprimerie pour fixer une forme dans un cadre, ou encore la clé de voûte d’une arche.

1. Printing wedge C2 formal

   A wedge, often made of wood or metal, used by printers to secure a form tightly within a chase.

   • The printer adjusted the coign to lock the type in place.
   • He used a wooden coign to stabilize the form.
   • The coign was essential for preventing movement during printing.

   🇫🇷Coin d'imprimerie

   Synonymes: coignequoin

2. Keystone of an arch C2 formal

   The central stone at the apex of an arch, which locks the other stones together.

   • The coign was carefully carved to fit the arch perfectly.
   • The architect inspected the coign for structural integrity.
   • Without the coign, the arch would collapse under pressure.

   🇫🇷Claveau central d'une voûte

   Synonymes: keykeystone