Cinquefoil

Definition

A herbaceous plant with five leaflets arranged like fingers, or an architectural ornament featuring five lobes. Cinquefoils are found in temperate regions and have been used symbolically in heraldry and medieval design.

Example Usage

The medieval church window featured a beautiful cinquefoil design in stone tracery.

Origin

From Old French 'cinq' (five) and 'feuil' (leaf), literally meaning 'five-leaved'.

Fun Fact

Cinquefoil designs are common in Gothic and Islamic architecture, where the five lobes held various symbolic meanings.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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