close quarter

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. any of several strong wooden barriers erected across the deck of a merchant sailing ship, having loopholes through which muskets could be fired to resist boarding attacks

Pronunciation

/ˌkləʊs ˈkwɔː(ɹ)tə(ɹ)/

Word forms

close quarter close quarters

Etymology

Originally closed quarter (“section or area”).

Related words

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