quartern

American  

[kwawr-tern] / ˈkwɔr tərn /

noun

Chiefly British.

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

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quartern British  

/ ˈkwɔːtən /

noun

1. a fourth part of certain weights or measures, such as a peck or a pound

2. Also called: quartern loaf.

   1. a type of loaf 4 inches square, used esp for making sandwiches

   2. any loaf weighing 1600 g when baked

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Etymology

Origin of quartern

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quartern

"Now for a bite o' bread and butter," said Mother, sawing away at a quartern loaf.

From The Sailor by J. C. Snaith

The weight of a quartern loaf, before baking, should be four pounds fifteen ounces; after baking, four pounds six ounces, avoirdupois.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Mary Eaton

I bought a stale quartern loaf—I got a penny off it, being two days old; here's a nice piece of cheese; and onions cut up small will make a fine relish.

From Good Luck by L. T. Meade

He had just bailed out the boat, when stooping down, he put his hand in, and, feeling round, discovered to his great joy a large piece of bread, the best part of a quartern loaf.

From Adrift in a Boat by William Henry Giles Kingston

Well, say the best is a penny a quartern more—and the wife seems so satisfied because she thinks she is saving.

From Original Penny Readings A Series of Short Sketches by George Manville Fenn

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Related Words

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

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