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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of quarter day

First recorded in 1470–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Quarter day had come at Pop's,—a day marked in the annals of the school and celebrated in its traditions.

From From School to Battle-field A Story of the War Days by King, Charles

"Quarter day for the Bishops is long past due."

From Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford by Chester, George Randolph

Quarter day is coming round again, so I expect there will be some more soon.

From Lazy Thoughts of a Lazy Girl Sister of that "Idle Fellow." by Wren, Jenny