Asquint is a word that refers to the action of squinting one's eyes. It is spelled with the letter "q," which is usually followed by the letter "u." This unique spelling is due to the word's origin from the Middle English word "askuinten," which has since undergone several phonetic changes. Asquint is pronounced /əˈskwɪnt/, with the first syllable being a schwa sound, followed by the /skw/ consonant cluster, and ending with the short "i" vowel sound and the "nt" consonant cluster.
Asquint is an adverb that refers to a sideways or oblique glance or position. It can also describe something that is tilted or not aligned with a vertical or horizontal line. The word originated in the 16th century, stemming from the combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "to," "toward," or "in," and the Middle English word "squint."
When used to describe a gaze or a glance, asquint implies that the person is looking askance or sideways, with their eyes partially averted from the main focal point. It suggests a sense of suspicion, skepticism, or secret observation. For instance, a person might give an asquint glance to someone they are unsure about or suspect of wrongdoing.
Asquint can also describe an object or position that is tilted or slanting. It suggests that the alignment is not straight or in accordance with a standard vertical or horizontal orientation. For example, a frame or picture can be hanging asquint on a wall if it is not level or if it is slightly tilted to one side.
In summary, asquint is an adverb that refers to a sideways or oblique gaze or position. It denotes suspicion, skepticism, or secret observation when describing a glance, and it indicates a tilt or misalignment when describing an object.
Towards one side; obliquely.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "asquint" is derived from the Old English word "on squeint" which means "squinting" or "having a skewed look". It is a combination of the prefix "a-" (meaning "on" or "in") and the word "squeint" (meaning "squinting" or "looking askew"). Over time, the spelling evolved and it became "asquint", retaining the same meaning.