/ ˈkwɒdrənt; NAmE ˈkwɑːd-/ noun
1.
( geometry ) a quarter of a circle or of its circumference (= the distance around it)
—picture at circle
2.
an instrument for measuring angles, especially to check your position at sea or to look at stars
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (denoting the astronomical instrument): from Latin quadrans , quadrant- quarter, from quattuor four.