quartern

[ kwawr-tern ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

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

quartern

/ ˈkwɔːtən /

noun

1. a fourth part of certain weights or measures, such as a peck or a pound
2. Also calledquartern loaf
   1. a type of loaf 4 inches square, used esp for making sandwiches
   2. any loaf weighing 1600 g when baked

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartern¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartern¹

C13: from Old French quarteron, from quart a quarter

Example Sentences

As if all the speeches of all the fools in Staffordshire would lower the quartern loaf!

From Project Gutenberg

We have seen in some churches piles of fruit and vegetables that would furnish a shop, in addition to sheaves of corn and stacks of quartern loaves.

From Project Gutenberg

There is nothing for it," he replied in a tone of humility; "if I did not take a glass with every quartern, child of my soul, what would become of me?

From Project Gutenberg

This John Bull is hacked to make a Corsican and Yankee holiday, taxed at the bayonet's point, starved on bread at eighteenpence the quartern, and offered up as a sacrifice to a Bourbon "Bumble-head."

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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