from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Quintain \Quin"tain\, n. [F. quintaine, LL. quintana; cf. W.
chwintan a kind of hymeneal game.]
An object to be tilted at; -- called also {quintel}. [Written
also {quintin}.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: A common form in the Middle Ages was an upright post,
on the top of which turned a crosspiece, having on one
end a broad board, and on the other a sand bag. The
endeavor was to strike the board with the lance while
riding under, and get away without being hit by the
sand bag. "But a quintain, a mere lifeless block."
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]