[ˈk(w)ɔːtə], (Noun)

Definitions:
- each of four equal or corresponding parts into which something is or can be divided
(e.g: she cut each apple into quarters)

- one fourth of a pound weight (avoirdupois, equal to 4 ounces)

- the haunches or hindquarters of a horse
(e.g: they have strong, muscular quarters)

- a part of a town or city having a particular character or use
(e.g: a beautiful port city with a fascinating medieval quarter)

- the direction of one of the points of the compass, especially as a direction from which the wind blows

- rooms or lodgings, especially those allocated to people in military or domestic service
(e.g: they lived in RAF married quarters)

- pity or mercy shown towards an enemy or opponent who is in one's power
(e.g: the riot squad gave no quarter)

- each of four or more roughly equal divisions of a shield separated by vertical and horizontal lines


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French quartier, from Latin quartarius ‘fourth part of a measure’, from quartus ‘fourth’, from quattuor ‘four’

[ˈk(w)ɔːtə], (Verb)

Definitions:
- divide into four equal or corresponding parts
(e.g: peel and quarter the bananas)

- be stationed or lodged in a specified place
(e.g: many were quartered in tents)

- range over or traverse (an area) in every direction
(e.g: we watched a pair of kingfishers quartering the river looking for minnows)

- display (different coats of arms) in quarters of a shield, especially to show arms inherited from heiresses who have married into the bearer's family
(e.g: Edward III quartered the French royal arms with his own)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French quartier, from Latin quartarius ‘fourth part of a measure’, from quartus ‘fourth’, from quattuor ‘four’