Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
quatrefoil [kat-er-foil, ka-truh-] ExamplesWord Origin noun
- a leaf composed of four leaflets.
- Architecture. a panellike ornament composed of four lobes, divided by cusps, radiating from a common center.
Origin of quatrefoil 1375–1425; Middle English Middle French quatre four + -foil (as in trefoil)Related formsquat·re·foiled, adjective Examples from the Web for quatrefoil Historical Examples of quatrefoil
The tympanum of the large arch is pierced with a quatrefoil or trefoil.
Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys
Dugald Butler and Herbert Story
Here too are seen two quatrefoil openings for the reception of offerings.
The Cathedrals of Great Britain
P. H. Ditchfield
The Keep, which is in plan like a quatrefoil, consisted of two storeys.
Edwin Benson
It must have its two mullions as before, with the quatrefoil tracery which had remained undamaged in the west window opposite.
E. W. Hornung
The deep soffit of the arch in which this elegant arcading is enclosed, is adorned with a series of quatrefoil panels.
Bell’s Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral
George Worley
British Dictionary definitions for quatrefoil quatrefoil noun
- a leaf composed of four leaflets
- architect a carved ornament having four foils arranged about a common centre, esp one used in tracery
Word Origin for quatrefoil C15: from Old French, from quatre four + -foil leaflet; compare trefoil Word Origin and History for quatrefoil n.
“flower with four leaves,” early 15c., from Old French quatrefoil, from quatre “four” (see four) + foil “leaf” (see foil (n.)).