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}.