close quarter

== English == === Etymology === Originally closed quarter (“section or area”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˌkləʊs ˈkwɔː(ɹ)tə(ɹ)/ === Noun === close quarter (plural close quarters) (nautical) any of several strong wooden barriers erected across the deck of a merchant sailing ship, having loopholes through which muskets could be fired to resist boarding attacks ==== Related terms ==== close quarters