DictionaryRoot: quarter
English
quarter
a fourth part or assigned portion
Forms
- quarter
Origin
Through French quartier from Latin quartarius, “a fourth part.”
Note
The exact contribution is uncertain in some compounds; the historical base does not establish a particular naming story.
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noun
quarterstaff
KWOR-ter-staf/ˈkwɔrtərˌstæf/
A long wooden staff used as a weapon.
Etymology
Staff already meant a strong pole or rod used as a weapon. Quarter’s contribution is uncertain: explanations involving weapon handling or a cut of timber both lack contemporary supporting evidence.