from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Quincunx \Quin"cunx\, n. [L., fr. quinque five + uncia an ounce.
The quincunx was marked by five small spots or balls. See
{Five}, and {Ounce} the weight.]
1. An arrangement of things by fives in a square or a
rectangle, one being placed at each corner and one in the
middle; especially, such an arrangement of trees repeated
indefinitely, so as to form a regular group with rows
running in various directions.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Astrol.) The position of planets when distant from each
other five signs, or 150[deg]. --Hutton.
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3. (Bot.) A quincuncial arrangement, as of the parts of a
flower in [ae]stivation. See {Quincuncial}, 2.
[1913 Webster]