Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Quartering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏠
Add to dictionary

quartering

[ˈkwɔːrtərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

Military action

Quartering refers to the act of providing lodging or accommodation, especially for soldiers or military personnel. In a military context, it often involves the assignment of troops to a specific area for temporary housing. Historically, quartering has also referred to the practice of allowing soldiers to reside in private homes or properties during wartime, which could sometimes lead to tensions between soldiers and civilians. The concept has evolved over time, but it remains closely associated with military operations and logistic strategies.

Synonyms

accommodation, billeting, housing, lodging.

Examples of usage

  • The troops were given proper quartering in the town during the campaign.
  • Quartering arrangements must be organized ahead of the military exercise.
  • The soldiers complained about the lack of adequate quartering facilities.
  • During the Revolutionary War, quartering in private homes was controversial.
Context #2 | Verb

Military logistics

To quarter means to assign or provide quarters for troops or military personnel. This term is often used in military logistics to indicate the allocation of space for soldiers to stay. It has historical significance, especially in the context of wartime actions, where provision of shelter could drastically affect troop morale and efficiency. Proper quartering is essential for maintaining military readiness and ensuring the well-being of the service members.

Synonyms

accommodate, house, lodge, shelter.

Examples of usage

  • The commander decided to quarter the soldiers in the nearby village.
  • They were quartered in makeshift tents until proper barracks were constructed.
  • The army was quickly quartered in the designated area after their arrival.
  • Commanders are responsible for quartering their troops effectively.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Quartering refers to the assigning of troops to different areas for defense or control, crucial during various historical conflicts.
  • In the American Revolution, British soldiers were required to be 'quartered' in American homes, leading to tension and grievances.
  • The practice of quartering troops is addressed in the Third Amendment of the United States Constitution, highlighting its historical significance.

Agriculture

  • Quartering is a common term in agriculture, referring to dividing fields or plots into quarters for crop rotation.
  • It helps in maximizing land use and managing soil health by alternating crop types.
  • Farmers often utilize quartering techniques for efficient irrigation and pest management.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, quartering is a technique that involves cutting fruits or vegetables into four parts for even cooking or easier serving.
  • This method is often seen with chickens, where the bird is cut into quarters for roasting or frying.
  • Quartering can aid in portion control, making it easier to serve or store leftovers.

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, quartering can refer to layout techniques where a canvas is divided into quadrants for balanced composition.
  • Artists often use quartering to plan out their work, ensuring even distribution of color and form.
  • The technique can enhance focus on the main subject by organizing elements effectively.

Origin of 'quartering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'quarter' meaning 'fourth part', rooted in the Latin 'quartus'.
  • It has appeared in English since the 14th century, linked to dividing land or resources.
  • The term is used in various contexts, often relating to measurement or division.

The term 'quartering' has its roots in the Middle English word 'quarteren', meaning to divide or to distribute. The word evolved from the Old French 'quater', derived from the Latin 'quartare', which means to divide into quarters or parts. The term became more predominant during the medieval period, particularly in the context of feudal society where knights were often provided with lodging in a lord's home. As military practices developed and the need for accommodating troops grew, quartering took on a more specialized meaning within military logistics. The concept gained legal significance with statutes such as the Quartering Act in the 18th century, which mandated that colonial authorities provide shelter to British soldiers, leading to significant unrest and contributing to the American Revolution. Today, quartering remains a critical aspect in military operations, emphasizing the importance of logistics and the welfare of troops.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,574, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.