Definition of the word squint

The word "squint" originated in Middle English in the 14th century. It comes from the Old English word "cyntan," meaning "to incline, bend, or incline the eyelids." This word evolved to "quintan" in early Middle English, which was linked to the Latin word "quinquius" meaning "asquint." Later in Middle English, the word's spelling changed to "sqynte" or "sqynyt," which became "squynte" in late Middle English. In Old English, "cyntan" was commonly used to describe a cross-eyed condition or a severe squint, but it also had a broader meaning, including being slanted or leaning. As the meaning of the word evolved, it came to be associated primarily with eye conditions that involved an obtuse or inward gaze. Over time, the word's spelling continued to change, leading to various regional variations in pronunciation and spelling. Today, "squint" is primarily used as a colloquial term to describe someone with a significant eye squint or a misaligned gaze, but the word's origins in Old English testify to its rich linguistic history.