v. & n.
v.tr. 1 cite or appeal to (an author, book, etc.) in confirmation of some view. 2 repeat a statement by (another person) or copy out a passage from (don't quote me). 3 (often absol.) a repeat or copy out (a passage) usu. with an indication that it is borrowed. b (foll. by from) cite (an author, book, etc.). 4 (foll. by as) cite (an author etc.) as proof, evidence, etc. 5 a enclose (words) in quotation marks. b (as int.) (in dictation, reading aloud, etc.) indicate the presence of opening quotation marks (he said, quote, 'I shall stay'). 6 (often foll. by at) state the price of (a commodity, bet, etc.) (quoted at 200 to 1). 7 Stock Exch. regularly list the price of.
n. colloq. 1 a passage quoted. 2 a price quoted. 3 (usu. in pl.) quotation marks.
[ ME, earlier 'mark with numbers', f. med.L quotare f. quot how many, or as QUOTA ]