E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Quo’rum.
Such a number of persons as are necessary to make up a committee or board; or certain justices without the presence of whom the rest cannot act. Thus, suppose the commission to be named A, B, C, D, E, etc., it would run—“Of these I wish [A, B, C, D, or E] to be one” (quorum unum esse volumus). These honoured names are called “Justices of the Quorum.” Slender calls Justice Shallow justice of the peace and quorum. (Shakespeare: Merry Wives of Windsor, i. 1.)
