quat·re·foil (k t  r-foil , ktr-)n. 1. A representation of a flower with four petals or a leaf with four leaflets, especially in heraldry. 2. Architecture Tracery or an ornament with four foils or lobes. [Middle English quaterfoile : Old French quatre, four; see quatrain + Old French foil, leaf; see foil2.] |
quatrefoil [ˈkætrəˌfɔɪl]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) a leaf composed of four leaflets
2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) Architect a carved ornament having four foils arranged about a common centre, esp one used in tracery
[from Old French, from quatre four + -foil leaflet; compare trefoil]
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