the verb 'squinch,' meaning to screw up one's eyes or face, first appeared in english in the early 16th century. it is believed to be a blend or alteration of the now-obsolete verb 'scrunge' (meaning to squeeze) and the verb 'winch,' which carried a sense of twisting or tightening. the architectural noun 'squinch,' denoting a supportive arch in a corner, emerged later in the 19th century. its name derives from the verb, as the structure appears to "squinch" or compress the space to make the transition from a square base to a dome or spire.

this word is considered a simplex form. its exact origin is uncertain, but it is likely an alteration of an earlier english word.