▪ I. quin, n.1
(kwɪn)
[Of obscure etym.: cf. queen 10 a, and squin.]
A variety of pecten (P. opercularis).
| 1840 Penny Cycl. XVII. 358/1 Pectens..make a rich and sapid dish, as might be expected from the name of them when so prepared, ‘Quins’. 1851–6 Woodward Mollusca 257 The Scallop (P. maximus) and ‘quin’ (P. opercularis) are esteemed delicacies; the latter covers extensive banks, especially on the N. and W. of Ireland. |
▪ II. quin, n.2
[Shortened f. quintuplet.]
One of five children born at one birth; such a child in later life. Also attrib.
| 1935 Dionne Quintuplets growing Up (caption), My, what big girls the ‘Quins’ are getting to be. 1936 W. Thornton Country Doctor 127 In Portugal in 1866, one quin baby attained an age of 50 days. 1937 R. Macaulay I would be Private i. i. 16 Another little boy! Win's got quins! Can you beat it?... It took me and her poor father ten years to get five, and here's you and Win done it in a year. 1951 L. Barker Truth about Dionne Quins i. 11 Dr. Dafoe..held Press conferences..in addition to his quin column, a newspaper feature, written by various ghost writers. Ibid. xxiii. 178 Emilie, the happy-go-lucky tomboyish quin,..was not inclined to worry. 1968 Economist 15 June 49/1 Despite the title [of the book], Dr Scheinfeld is less good on supertwins, on triplets, quads and quins. 1976 Liverpool Echo 6 Dec. 1/1 The condition of Fiona, the fourth quin, has deteriorated and she has had difficulty in breathing since birth. |
▪ III. † quin
Sc. var. of cun con v.1 3. Obs.
| c 1560 Sat. Toun Ladyes 83 in Maitland Poems (1830) 30 My counseill I geve generallie To all wemen..This lessoun for to quin perqueir. |