Arch. [L. quadra a square, used by Vitruvius in sense 1.]
1. a. The plinth or socle of a podium. b. A platband or fillet, esp. that above or below the scotia in the Ionic base.
1664. Evelyn, trans. Freart’s Archit., 131. Pilæ, and their Quadra’s or Tables … were employ’d for Inscriptions.
1842–76. in Gwilt, Archit. (Hence in recent Dicts.)
2. A square border or frame round a bas-relief, panel, etc.; also, loosely, a border or frame of any form.
1727–41. in Chambers, Cycl.
1842–76. in Gwilt, Archit. (Hence in recent Dicts.)
