quarter section

(in surveying and homesteading) a square tract of land, half a mile on each side, thus containing ¼ sq. mi. or 160 acres. Abbreviation: q.s.

Origin of quarter section

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

He sat in a big home-made easy chair, which Silas had constructed for him by sawing a quarter-section out of a hogshead.

The Kindred of the Wild |Charles G. D. Roberts
"But we only hold a quarter-section of land," replied the boy in his bewilderment.

Wells Brothers |Andy Adams
Sanders, it appeared, had bought a quarter-section of land not far from the stream, and had now come to occupy it.

Justin Wingate, Ranchman |John H. Whitson
Are you going to quit the peddling and take up a quarter-section with the girl?

A Prairie Courtship |Harold Bindloss

Therefore, it was in the beginning the Republican party declared for free homes of a quarter-section each.

Speeches of Benjamin Harrison |Benjamin Harrison

quarter section

US and Canadian a land measure, used in surveying, with sides half a mile long; 160 acres