Also abbrev. quantum suff., quant. suff. (suf.). [L., a formula used in medical prescriptions.] ‘As much as suffices’; hence, a sufficient quantity, a sufficiency; to a sufficient extent, etc.
1699. Honour of Gout, in Harl. Misc. (1809), II. 45. We lead sedentary lives, feed heartily, drink quantum sufficit, but sleep immoderately.
1775. J. Adams, in Fam. Lett. (1876), 58. Scolding at me quantum sufficit for not taking his advice.
1806–7. J. Beresford, Miseries Hum. Life (ed. 5), II. 238. With numbers though rough, Yet with rage quantum suff.
1837. Lockhart, Scott (1839), VII. 405. Cabinets china and mirrors quantum suff., and some portraits.
1881. Abney, Photogr., 69. The amount of alcohol required is invariably shown as ‘quant. suf.’
b. With article or possessive pron.
1747. Scheme Equip. Men of War, 23. To provide them a Quantum sufficit before they enter into that Service.
1795. Burke, Regic. Peace, iv. Wks. IX. 20. What dose is to be the quantum sufficit?
a. 1817. T. Dwight, Trav. New Eng., etc. (1821), I. 515. They have always a quantum sufficit of money.
1843. Darwin, Lett. to Henslow, 25 Jan. My Coral Volume … has received its quant: suff: of praise.
