quarter day

American  

noun

1. (in England, Ireland, and Wales) one of the four days, Lady Day, Midsummer Day, Michaelmas, or Christmas, regarded as marking off the quarters of the year, on which quarterly payments are due, tenancies begin and end, etc.

2. (in Scotland) one of the four days, Candlemas, Whitsunday, Lammas, or Martinmas, regarded as marking off the quarters of the year.

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quarter day British  

noun

1. any of four days in the year when certain payments become due. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland these are Lady Day, Midsummer's Day, Michaelmas, and Christmas. In Scotland they are Candlemas, Whit Sunday, Lammas, and Martinmas

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Etymology

Origin of quarter day

First recorded in 1470–80

Example Sentences

There remains practically a quarter day, which every four years could be counted an accumulated full day.

From Time Magazine Archive

By adding a quarter day to each year, there is a surplus of eleven minutes, fourteen seconds.

From Astronomy for Amateurs by Welby, Frances A. (Frances Alice)

Eight hours a day or over constituted a full day for purposes of pay; up to four hours, half a day; and two hours or less, a quarter day.

From The Chronicles of a Gay Gordon by Gordon, J. M. (Joseph Maria)

What, is it quarter day that you remove, And carry bag and baggage too?

From King Edward III by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)

Missy O’Bottom, she tells me, last quarter day, no pay whole bill, she not half like it; she say you great deceiver, and no trust more.”

From Olla Podrida by Marryat, Frederick