Medieval Glossary
Quarter
In war, signifies the sparing of life of a vanquished enemy, which by the laws of war is forfeit to the victor. The expression seems to be derived from the use of the word 'quarter' to designate the lodging of the particular warrior; to 'give quarter' to a prisoner being to send him to his captor's quarter for such things as liberation and ransom.
Related term(s): Quarter (Heraldry); Quartering; Quarterly
Category: Military - General
Added: 06.03.06
Source information:
Wilhelm, Thomas. A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer. Philadelphia: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1881. 468.
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