[Of obscure etym.: cf. QUEEN 10 a, and SQUIN.] A variety of pecten (P. opercularis).
1840. Penny Cycl., XVII. 358/1. Pectens … make a rich and sapid dish, as might be expected from the name of them when so prepared, ‘Quins.’
1851–6. Woodward, Mollusca, 257. The Scallop (P. maximus) and ‘quin’ (P. opercularis) are esteemed delicacies; the latter covers extensive banks, especially on the N. and W. of Ireland.
