▪ I. † quinch, n. Obs. rare—1.
[f. next.]
not a quinch = ‘not a start’, not the least.
| 1571 R. Edwards Damon & Pithias in Dodsley (1780) I. 182, I wyll change my coppy, how be it I care not a quinche, I know the galde horse will soonest winche. |
▪ II. † quinch, v. Obs.
Also 7 quince.
[? var. of quitch quetch, by assoc. with winch wince; or related to winch as quag to wag.]
intr. To move, stir, make a slight noise; to start, flinch.
| 1530 Palsgr. 677/1, I Quynche, I styrre, je mouue. Ibid., I quynche, I make a noyse, je tynte. 1576 Holinshed Chron. (1586) III. 583/2 (He was) so manfull of mind as neuer seene to quinch at a wound. 1607 R. C[arew] tr. Estienne's World of Wonders 49 None durst once quince or speake a word against him. 1627 F. E. Edward II (1680) 81 Which single durst not quinch, much less encounter. |
▪ III. quinch, quincie
obs. ff. quince, quinsy.