Quarter
/ˈkwɔː.tər/noun
A fourth part of something.
Did you know?In medieval times, a 'quarter' was not just a fraction, but also referred to the division of land, hinting at power and territory sharing rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kwet(wo)r
“The root meaning relates to 'four', suggesting a division into four parts.”
Latin
Latin
quartus
“Meaning 'fourth', directly linked to the division of numbers and resources.”
Old French
Old French
quartier
“Referring to a fourth part or section, particularly in land division.”
Middle English
Middle English
quarter
“Adopted from Old French, maintaining the meaning of a fourth part.”
Modern English
English
quarter
“Retained the meaning of a fourth part, also used for divisions in time and space.”