Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Quarantine?

\Quar"an*tine\, n. [F. quarantaine, OF. quaranteine, fr. F. quarante forty, L. quadraginta, akin to quattuor four, and E. four: cf. It. quarantina, quarentine. See {Four}, and cf. {Quadragesima}.] 1. A space of forty days; -- used of Lent. 2. Specifically, the term, originally of forty days, during which a ship arriving in port, and suspected of being infected a malignant contagious disease, is obliged to forbear all intercourse with the shore; hence, such restraint or inhibition of intercourse; also, the place where infected or prohibited vessels are stationed. Note: Quarantine is now applied also to any forced stoppage of travel or communication on account of malignant contagious disease, on land as well as by sea. 3. (Eng. Law) The period of forty days during which the widow had the privilege of remaining in the mansion house of which her husband died seized. {Quarantine flag}, a yellow flag hoisted at the fore of a vessel or hung from a building, to give warning of an infectious disease; -- called also the {yellow jack}, and {yellow flag}.
\Quar`an*tine"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Quarantined}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Quarantining}.] To compel to remain at a distance, or in a given place, without intercourse, when suspected of having contagious disease; to put under, or in, quarantine.