en quad

noun

, Printing.

1. a square unit of an area, one en on each side.
2. a quad having such an area. Compare quad ²( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of en quad¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The en quad is really a thick space, though called a quad, and is equal to half the em.

From Project Gutenberg

A space of the thickness intermediate between the three-to-em and the en quad, known as a patent space, has been made for use in book work.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus a 12-point en-quad is 12-point body and 6-point set, a 10-point figure of the thickness of an en quad is 10-point body and 5-point set, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

Use figures, period, and en quad for first, second, etc.:

From Project Gutenberg