quarter

( n.)

   Two  bits.  This  in  turn  comes from the `pieces of eight' famed in
   pirate  movies  --  Spanish  silver  crowns that could be broken into
   eight  pie-slice-shaped  `bits'  to  make  change.  Early in American
   history the Spanish coin was considered equal to a dollar, so each of
   these `bits' was considered worth 12.5 cents. Syn. {tayste}, {crumb},
   {quad}.  Usage:  rare.  General  discussion  of  such  terms is under
   {nybble}.

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {nybble}{quad}{tayste}]