quadrat

noun /ˈkwɒd.ɹæt/

1. A quad; a blank metal block used to fill space in lines of type.

   obsolete

   If his Title be ſhort, he Sets it in the middle of the Line, by Setting Quadrats on both ſides: If his Title be long, he Sets the middle Line in the middle: If it make three or more Lines, he Indents the firſt with an m Quadrat, and the other with two m Quadrats.

2. A virtual rectangular subdivision of a line or column of hieroglyphs within which a group of hieroglyphs is arranged.

Where it comes from

Attested since 1683. Possibly from French cadrat or Italian quadrato (“square”), from Latin quadrātum (“square”). Doublet of quadrate and of etymology 1 above. So called because the basic quadrat, the em quadrat, has a square face, having the same width as the height of a line of type.

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry quadrat (CC BY-SA 4.0).

← quadralquadriga →

Another random word More words starting with Q