cinquefoil

noun cinque·foil \ˈsiŋk-ˌfȯi(-ə)l, ˈsaŋk-\

Definition of CINQUEFOIL

: any of a genus (Potentilla) of herbs and shrubs of the rose family usually having 5-lobed leaves and 5-petaled flowers —called also potentilla

: a design enclosed by five joined foils

See cinquefoil defined for kids

Middle English sink foil, from Anglo-French cincfoille, from Latin quinquefolium, from quinque five + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use: 14th century

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