/kwawr"teuhr bak'/ , n.
1. a back in football who usually lines up immediately behind the center and directs the offense of the team.
2. the position played by this back.
3. a person who leads or directs a group or activity.
v.t.
4. to direct the offense of (a team).
5. to lead or direct: to quarterback a public-relations campaign.
v.i.
6. to play the position of quarterback.
[ 1875-80, Amer.; QUARTER + BACK 1 ]