A twist of 90°, a quarter-turn; frequently attributive, especially designating a mechanism which imparts motion at a right angle to some other part, as "quarter-twist belt", "quarter-twist drive", etc.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Carpenters' Rules of Work (Boston).
Definition of quarter twist in US English:
quarter twist
noun
A twist of 90°, a quarter-turn; frequently attributive, especially designating a mechanism which imparts motion at a right angle to some other part, as "quarter-twist belt", "quarter-twist drive", etc.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Carpenters' Rules of Work (Boston).