quarter-ill en · NOUN
Etymology
Because it affects the "quarters" (limbs) of cattle.
Meanings
-
(uncountable) blackleg (cattle disease)
When the quarter-ill made its appearance the "muckle wheel" was set in motion, and turned till fire was produced. From this virgin flame fires were kindled in the byres
1881, Walter Gregor, Notes on the Folk-lore of the North-east of Scotland, page 186: