quarter day

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.

quarter day

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarter day¹

First recorded in 1470–80

Example Sentences

Everyone is so dreadfully healthy just now, and the rent is pretty bad—quarter-day coming.

From Project Gutenberg

But before the quarter-day had quite come, something happened which made Tess think of far different matters.

From Project Gutenberg

By these means I had nothing to impede my sudden departure, when rendered necessary by the arrival of the expected quarter-day.

From Project Gutenberg

They distributed each quarter-day all that had been collected during the preceding interval.

From Project Gutenberg

I gave them the quarter-day to vote, the same as you did with yours; and mine are gone the right colour to a man, I do believe.

From Project Gutenberg