The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fraction \Frac"tion\, n. [F. fraction, L. fractio a breaking,
   fr. frangere, fractum, to break. See Break.]
   1. The act of breaking, or state of being broken, especially
      by violence. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Neither can the natural body of Christ be subject to
            any fraction or breaking up.          --Foxe.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A portion; a fragment.
      [1913 Webster]

            Some niggard fractions of an hour.    --Tennyson.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Arith. or Alg.) One or more aliquot parts of a unit or
      whole number; an expression for a definite portion of a
      unit or magnitude.
      [1913 Webster]

   Common fraction, or Vulgar fraction, a fraction in which
      the number of equal parts into which the integer is
      supposed to be divided is indicated by figures or letters,
      called the denominator, written below a line, over which
      is the numerator, indicating the number of these parts
      included in the fraction; as 1/2, one half, 2/5, two
      fifths.

   Complex fraction, a fraction having a fraction or mixed
      number in the numerator or denominator, or in both.
      --Davies & Peck.

   Compound fraction, a fraction of a fraction; two or more
      fractions connected by of.

   Continued fraction, Decimal fraction, Partial fraction,
      etc. See under Continued, Decimal, Partial, etc.

   Improper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is
      greater than the denominator.

   Proper fraction, a fraction in which the numerator is less
      than the denominator.
      [1913 Webster]