Squint

Squint (possibly connected with Swed. svinka, to flinch; O. Eng. swiccan, avoid), properly an adjective meaning looking different ways, hence oblique, indirect vision, particularly a strabismus, an affection of the eyes consisting in non-coincidence of the optic axes (see EYE, § Diseases; and Vision). In architecture "squint" is used of a slit or opening usually on one or both sides of the chancel arch, giving a view of the altar from the transepts or aisles; it is also styled "hagioscope" (q.v.).