quartering

1 of 2

noun

quar·​ter·​ing ˈkwȯ(r)-tə-riŋ How to pronounce quartering (audio)
1
a
: the division of an escutcheon containing different coats of arms into four or more compartments
b
: a quarter of an escutcheon or the coat of arms on it
2
: a line of usually noble or distinguished ancestry

quartering

2 of 2

adjective

1
: coming from a point well abaft the beam of a ship but not directly astern
quartering waves
2
: lying at right angles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
With a bow or crossbow, wait for a good quartering away shot, and drive the arrow up into the vitals. The Editors, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2023 In our world of Chronic Wasting Disease, field-quartering is a skill every deer hunter needs to learn anyway. Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 28 Sep. 2020 Killing a big bull at a steep quartering angle takes a very good cartridge, topped with a tough, deep-penetrating bullet. Field & Stream, 10 May 2019 Hunsucker always places the decoy facing and quartering to him. Joe Genzel, Outdoor Life, 10 Dec. 2019 The drawing and quartering Will witnesses during a public execution in an early scene is only the first sign that the stakes here may be higher than even this playwright’s career. 9 p.m. Ellen Gray, Philly.com, 7 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quartering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quartering was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near quartering

Cite this Entry

“Quartering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quartering. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

quartering

adjective
quar·​ter·​ing
ˈkwȯ(r)t-ə-riŋ
: coming from a direction behind and to the side (as of a ship)
a quartering wind

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