quartering

1 of 2

noun

quar·​ter·​ing ˈkwȯ(r)-tə-riŋ 

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

Examples of quartering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although Americans no longer face the literal quartering of soldiers in their homes, the spirit of the Third Amendment—prohibiting the use of the military against the civilian population—has been trampled. —John Whitehead, Oc Register, 14 Dec. 2025

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

1648, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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