squinch

• Petite voûte ou dispositif de maçonnerie en diagonale, placé dans un angle rentrant pour porter un dôme, une tour ou une flèche.

A small arch or structure built across the interior angle of two walls, typically used to support a dome or spire.

1. Architectural supportC2formaltechnical

   A small arch or corbel built across the interior angle of two walls, typically used to support a dome or spire.

   Squinche (support architectural)

   • The medieval cathedral featured squinches to transition from the square base to the circular dome.
   • Romanesque architects often used squinches to support heavy stone spires.
   • The squinch allowed the builders to create a more stable octagonal tower above the square nave.

• Verbe vieilli signifiant plisser ou froncer (les yeux ou le visage), ou loucher. Également utilisé historiquement en architecture pour décrire un élément constructif.

An obsolete verb meaning to screw up or contract (the eyes or face), or to squint. Also used historically in architecture to describe a structural element.

1. Crouch downB2informal

   To lower oneself by bending the knees and back, often to get under something or to avoid being seen.

   S'accroupir en se baissant

   • He squinched down behind the sofa to hide from his brother.
   • The child squinched under the table to retrieve the toy.
   • She squinched low to avoid hitting her head on the low beam.

   Synonymescrouchduckhunchhunker downsquatstoop

   Antonymesextendrisestandstraightenstretch

2. Draw back in fear or painB2informal

   To flinch or recoil suddenly, typically as a reaction to something unpleasant or frightening.

   reculer sous l'effet de la peur ou de la douleur

   • He squinched back when the doctor approached with the needle.
   • She squinched away from the spider crawling on the wall.
   • The loud bang made him squinch and cover his ears.

   Synonymescowerflinchrecoilshrinkwince

3. Squint or cross eyesB2informal

   To partly close or cross one's eyes, often in an attempt to see better or as a facial expression.

   plisser les yeux

   • He squinched his eyes to read the tiny print on the label.
   • The bright sunlight made her squinch her eyes shut.
   • The baby squinched his face up and started to cry.

   Synonymessquint