Lewis & Short

1. quā̆dra, ae, f., a square.

  1. I. In gen.: qui locus gradibus in quadram formatus est, Fest. s. v. Romanam, p. 262 Müll.
  2. II. In partic.
    1. A. In arch.
      1. 1. The lowest and largest member of the base of a pedestal, the foundation-stone, socle, plinth, Vitr. 3, 3.
      2. 2. Any small member for the separation of larger ones, a platband, list, fillet, Vitr. 3, 3; 10, 2.
    2. B. A table to eat from, a dining-table (as these were usually square; cf. Varr. L. L. 5, § 118 Müll.): patulis nec parcere quadris, of the pieces of bread used as plates, Verg. A. 7, 115.
      Hence, alienā vivere quadrā, to live from another’s table (as a parasite), Juv. 5, 2.
    3. C. A (square) bit, piece, morsel: et mihi dividuo findetur munere quadra, Hor. Ep. 1, 17, 49: casei, Mart. 12, 32, 18: placentae, id. 6, 75, 1; 9, 92, 18: panis, Sen. Ben. 4, 29, 2.