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

Example Sentences

With the exception of a stone here and there—none of them larger than a quartern loaf—the sandy surface was perfectly smooth and level as a table.

From The Young Yagers A Narrative of Hunting Adventures in Southern Africa by Reid, Mayne

But I know that by nightfall you could not have purchased a quartern loaf for elevenpence halfpenny within ten miles of Charing Cross.

From The Message by Brock, H. M. (Henry Matthew)

Ingredients—� quartern of dough.� lb. of currants.� lb.238 of moist sugar.� lb. of clarified dripping.

From The Skilful Cook A Practical Manual of Modern Experience by Harrison, Mary

Meanwhile take a quartern of the finest flour, and rub in about an ounce of butter.

From The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; In Which will Be Found a Large Collection of Original Receipts. 3rd ed. by Bury, Charlotte Campbell, Lady

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 Fenn, George Manville

Related Words

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