The spelling of the word "quartern" may seem confusing, but it is actually a valid word, albeit not commonly used. It refers to a fourth part of something, and is pronounced /ˈkwɔːtən/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling can be explained by the influence of the word "quarter", with the addition of the "-n" suffix to indicate a portion or division. It is important to remember that English spelling can be tricky at times, and that some words may not follow the conventional rules.
Quartern, also spelled as quarteron, is a term that can have different meanings depending on the context. In general, it is typically used to refer to a measurement or division of something into four equal parts.
When used in the context of weight or measurement, quartern often refers to a quarter or fourth part of an amount. For instance, in historical contexts, it was often used to represent a quarter or one-fourth of a pound, particularly in the British measurement system. Similarly, it could be used to denote a quarter or one-fourth of a gallon when referring to liquid measurements.
In some other cases, quartern can be used to describe a type of bread or loaf that is divided into four equal parts. This usage is more prevalent in certain regions or historical contexts, where it was common to bake bread in this particular shape.
Additionally, quartern can occasionally refer to a division or subdivision of any larger entity into four parts. For example, it might indicate a quarter section of a city, land, or any other spatial division.
Overall, quartern is a versatile term that generally indicates a division into four equal parts, whether it be in terms of weight, measurement, or spatial divisions. The specific context in which quartern is used will determine its exact meaning.
The fourth part.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "quartern" comes from the Middle English term "quartene", derived from the Old French word "quartain", which means "a fourth part". In turn, "quartain" originates from the Latin word "quartus", meaning "fourth". "Quartern" specifically refers to a unit of measurement equal to a quarter, usually used in the context of weight or capacity.