the fourth part of anything

weights, is generally used for the fourth part of an hundred weight avoirdupois, or 28 lb.

Used as the name of a dry measure, quarter is the fourth part of a ton in weight, or eight bushels.

in astronomy, the fourth part of the moon's period.

in heraldry, is applied to the parts or members of the first division of a coat that is quartered, or divided into four quarters. See Quartering.

Franc-Quarter, in heraldry, is a quarter single or alone; which is to possess one fourth part of the field.

This makes one of the honourable ordinaries of a coat.

QUARTER-MASTERS, or Quarteers, in a man of war, are officers whose business it is to rummage, blow, and trim the ship in the hold; to overlook the steward in his delivery of victuals to the cook, and in pumping or drawing out beer, or the like. They are also to keep their watch duly, in conning the ship, or any other duty.

QUARTER-MASTER, an officer in the army, whose business is to look after the quarters of the soldiers; of which there are several kinds, viz. The quarter-master general, whose business is to provide good quarters for the whole army; quarter-master of horse, he who is to provide quarters for a troop of horse; quarter-master of foot, he who is to provide quarters for a regiment of foot.