from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Quantum \Quan"tum\, n.; pl. {Quanta}. [L., neuter of quantus how
great, how much. See {Quantity},]
1. Quantity; amount. "Without authenticating . . . the
quantum of the charges." --Burke.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Math.) A definite portion of a manifoldness, limited by a
mark or by a boundary. --W. K. Clifford.
[1913 Webster]
{Quantum meruit}[L., as much as he merited] (Law), a count in
an action grounded on a promise that the defendant would
pay to the plaintiff for his service as much as he should
deserve.
{Quantum sufficit}, or {Quantum suff.} [L., as much suffices]
(Med.), a sufficient quantity; -- abbreviated {q. s.} in
pharmacy.
{Quantum valebat}[L., as much at it was worth] (Law), a count
in an action to recover of the defendant, for goods sold,
as much as they were worth. --Blackstone.
[1913 Webster]