WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Quar*ta"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. quartus the fourth: cf. F. quartation. So called because usually enough silver is added to make the amount of gold in the alloyed button about one fourth.] (Chem. & Assaying)
Definition : Defn: The act, process, or result (in the process of parting) of alloying a button of nearly pure gold with enough silver to reduce the fineness so as to allow acids to attack and remove all metals except the gold; -- called also inquartation. Compare Parting.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913