\Quar*ta"tion\, n. [L. quartus the fourth: cf. F.
quartation. So called because usually enough silver is added
to make the amount of gold in the alloyed button about one
fourth.] (Chem. & Assaying)
The act, process, or result (in the process of parting) of
alloying a button of nearly pure gold with enough silver to
reduce the fineness so as to allow acids to attack and remove
all metals except the gold; -- called also {inquartation}.
Compare {Parting}.