What is "quartering block"

Quartering \Quar"ter*ing\, n.

1. A station. [Obs.]
   --Bp. Montagu.

2. Assignment of quarters for soldiers; quarters.

3. (Her.)

   1. The division of a shield containing different coats of arms into four or more compartments.

   2. One of the different coats of arms arranged upon an escutcheon, denoting the descent of the bearer.

4. (Arch.) A series of quarters, or small upright posts. See Quarter, n., 1 (m) (Arch.)
   --Gwilt.

   Quartering block, a block on which the body of a condemned criminal was quartered.
   --Macaulay.

n. (context historical English) A block on which the body of a condemned criminal was quartered.