Definition of "quartern" []

• One fourth of something, especially of some weights and measures. (noun)
• Chiefly British A loaf of bread weighing about 4 pounds (1.81 kilograms). (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The reporters, of course, expected a sensation; but, on the contrary, our evidence went to show that, as the poisonous substance was found in the "quartern" bottle on deceased's table, death was in all probability due to suicide."
• "In less than three minutes she returned, bringing a "quartern" loaf and a large piece of cheese."
• "With “one lapis lazuli against quartern fever, one small jasper to help you find water, one small topaz to soothe your eyes…” the King seems prepared for every eventuality, likely or not."