What does asquint mean?
Asquint is an adverb describing the act of looking with the eyes turned sideways or half-closed, typically to signal suspicion, doubt, or sly appraisal. To regard someone asquint is to view them not head-on but obliquely, with narrowed or averted eyes — the visual equivalent of withholding full approval. The word derives simply from 'a-' (meaning 'in the manner of') plus 'squint,' making its formation transparent even though the word itself has grown rare. Today it survives mainly in literary contexts, where writers reach for it to evoke an atmosphere of guardedness or quiet disapproval. Its better-known cousin, 'askance,' covers similar ground but has become the standard term; 'asquint' retains a slightly archaic, evocative flavor that can lend prose a period feel. Though uncommon, it remains fully intelligible to modern readers and offers a precise, expressive way to describe a wary or sidelong gaze.
adverbWith the eyes turned sideways or half-closed, especially to express suspicion, disapproval, or a sly look; also, viewed obliquely or at an angle.
- With a sideward glance of suspicion, disapproval, or slyness
- Obliquely; at an angle rather than directly
"She eyed the suspicious contract asquint before refusing to sign it."
"The old sailor eyed the newcomer asquint, saying nothing."
"She glanced asquint at her rival across the table."
Before people said they looked at something 'askance,' English speakers could say they looked at it 'asquint' — a word that literally means 'in squint fashion.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of asquint
Asquint was formed in Middle or early Modern English from the prefix 'a-' (from Old English 'an/on,' indicating manner) combined with 'squint,' a word of uncertain ultimate origin, possibly related to Middle Dutch or Scandinavian forms. It emerged alongside parallel formations such as 'askance' and 'askew,' which use the same adverbial prefix. Cognates within English include 'squint' itself and 'squint-eyed.'
How asquint is actually used
A literary and somewhat archaic word, now rare in everyday speech; readers will most often meet it in older fiction. It carries connotations of wariness, skepticism, or covert judgment.
Easily confused with asquint
'Askance' means with distrust or a sideways glance and is far more common; 'asquint' more specifically suggests eyes narrowed or turned obliquely.
'Squint' is the verb or noun for narrowing the eyes (or a strabismus condition), while 'asquint' is the adverb describing how someone looks.