1. A distinct part or division of a writing, esp. a legal instrument. — Abbr. §; sec.; s.
2. Real estate. A piece of land containing 640 acres, or one square mile. • Traditionally, public lands in the United States were divided into 640-acre squares, each one called a “section.”
— Also termed section of land.
half section. A piece of land containing 320 acres, laid off either by a north–south or by an east–west line; half a section of land.
quarter section. A piece of land containing 160 acres, laid off by a north–south or east–west line; one quarter of a section of land, formerly the amount usu. granted to a homesteader. — Often shortened to quarter.
