1. a quarter of a pint
Usage: British; archaic
2. a loaf of bread weighing four pounds
Usage: British; historical

Examples

• The baker sold quartern loaves to feed large families.
• He ordered a quartern of ale at the tavern.
• The quartern was a standard measure in old British bakeries.
• She bought a quartern loaf for the week’s meals.
• The publican served beer by the quartern to his customers.