question

[jbor]

----------
>From: calbert at tiac.net
>

> The term in question, however, relates to the martial
> principle of "no quarter asked, and none given" - a primitive form of
> motivation which eliminates the possibility of honorable surrender.


Indeed. The term "quarter" in this usage refers to "exemption from death
upon surrender." (Brewer's)

_Collins_ has:

quarter n. 16. mercy or pity, as shown to a defeated opponent (esp. in the
phrases "ask for" or "give quarter".)

best