squinch

noun

An arch or corbelling across a corner, supporting a circular structure above.

"The squinch helped transition the square room to a dome."

verb

To narrow or tense one's eyes or face, often due to bright light.

"She had to squinch her eyes against the bright sun."

Thesaurus

Synonyms: squint, funk, cringe, shrink, recoil, flinch, quail, wince