quartern

[ kwawr-tern ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a quarter, or a fourth part, especially of certain weights and measures, as of a pound, ounce, peck, or pint.

quartern

/ ˈkwɔːtən /

noun

1. a fourth part of certain weights or measures, such as a peck or a pound
2. Also calledquartern loaf
   1. a type of loaf 4 inches square, used esp for making sandwiches
   2. any loaf weighing 1600 g when baked

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartern¹

1250–1300; Middle English quartroun, quartron, quartern < Old French quarteron, derivative of quart fourth. See quart ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartern¹

C13: from Old French quarteron, from quart a quarter

Example Sentences

You cannot put a quartern loaf into a child's head; you must break it up, and give him the crumb in warm milk.

From Project Gutenberg

To think of her father not having the price of an early pint, or a quartern of cool refreshing gin!

From Project Gutenberg

We stopped again at The Nightingale, and had half-a-quartern of whisky each.

From Project Gutenberg

If you consume half a bushel a week, that is to say about a quartern loaf a day, this is a saving of 5l.

From Project Gutenberg

On my way I called at a small corn-chandler's, and bought a quartern of flour done up in a thin and utterly insufficient bag.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fourth
• one-fourth
• part
• portion
• term