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

If they work fractions of a day, eight hours is called a half and four a quarter day, and the men submit with the same patience as the women.

From Prisoners of Poverty Abroad by Campbell, Helen

The first were for a full day's work, the second for a half day, and the last for a quarter day.

From Camp-Fire and Cotton-Field Southern Adventure in Time of War. Life with the Union Armies, and Residence on a Louisiana Plantation by Knox, Thomas Wallace

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

Custom was falling off and quarter day was fast approaching.

From A Book of Quaker Saints by Hodgkin, L. V. (Lucy Violet)