quarter section

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.

quarter section

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarter section¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Having decided to take the northwest corner of the quarter-section selected, it was easy to find the stake set at the corner.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, it was in the beginning the Republican party declared for free homes of a quarter-section each.

From Project Gutenberg

Then we learned of this quarter-section with a shack already built, bunk and all.

From Project Gutenberg

Then one of you can take up the next quarter-section free land.

From Project Gutenberg

A quarter-section is a square whose sides (bounded by meridians and parallels), are each half a mile, and contain 160 acres.

From Project Gutenberg