quarter section

American  

noun

Western U.S.

1. (in surveying and homesteading) a square tract of land, half a mile on each side, thus containing ¼ sq. mi. or 160 acres. q.s.

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quarter section British  

noun

1. a land measure, used in surveying, with sides half a mile long; 160 acres

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Etymology

Origin of quarter section

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Fold quarter section in half short edge to short edge.

From New York Times

Schwerdfeger said the quarter section of dryland corn he cut so far has been above average and neighbors are reporting yields ranging from 100 bushels an acre to around 120 bushels an acre.

From Washington Times

"They are never here," said Spaight, jumping from the auto and sweeping his hand about over a beautiful quarter section of land, one of the finest in the county.

From Project Gutenberg

Regardless of his pain, he sprang to his feet, with his uninjured arm tore a loose bed-slat from the wagon, and, stepping across the line, thrust it into the finest quarter section of the strip.

From Project Gutenberg

Took jobs here and there for four years, and then applied for a quarter section.

From Project Gutenberg