QUARTER DAY Meaning and
Definition
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A quarter day refers to the four specific days in a year that divide the year into quarters. These days hold significance in various cultures, especially in relation to the changing seasons. In Western tradition, the four quarter days are March 25th (Lady Day), June 24th (Midsummer Day), September 29th (Michaelmas), and December 25th (Christmas Day). Each of these days falls approximately three months apart from each other.
Historically, these quarter days were important in agricultural societies as they marked specific points in the year, aligning with the changing seasons and allowing for adjustments in farming activities and rent payments. Quarter days also held legal relevance, serving as dates for the commencement or termination of leases and contracts, as well as for the payment of debts.
In addition to their significance in agriculture and law, quarter days have also taken on cultural and religious importance. For instance, Christmas Day and Lady Day have religious connotations and are celebrated in Christianity. Midsummer Day, associated with the Summer Solstice, has long been recognized as a time of celebration in many cultures, marking the arrival of summer. Michaelmas, falling near the autumnal equinox, holds significance in Christian liturgy and is associated with the transition to the harvest season.
Overall, quarter days serve as key markers in the year, directing various aspects of life such as agriculture, law, and cultural festivities.
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The last day of the quarter, on which payment of rent or interest is due.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for QUARTER DAY
- 1uarter day
- 2uarter day
- wuarter day
- auarter day
- qyarter day
- qharter day
- qjarter day
- qiarter day
- q8arter day
- q7arter day
- quzrter day
- qusrter day
- quwrter day
- quqrter day
- quaeter day
- quadter day
- quafter day
- quatter day
- qua5ter day
Etymology of QUARTER DAY
The word "quarter day" has its etymology rooted in the practice of dividing the year into quarters for various administrative, legal, and agricultural purposes. This term dates back to Old English and Middle English.
The word "quarter" comes from the Latin word "quartarius", meaning one-fourth. In Old English, it was "cweortern", which gradually evolved into "quarter" in Middle English. Initially, it was used to refer to a fourth part of a year or a season.
The term "day" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as "dæg". The word goes back further to the Proto-Germanic language, where it was "dagaz" and ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "dʰegʷʰ-" meaning "to burn" or "shine". This reflects how days were once measured by the passage of the sun.
Similar spelling words for QUARTER DAY
- quarterstaff,
- quarter crack,
- quarter stock,
- quarter horse,
- quartertone,
- toya carter,
- quarterman,
- cross-quarter day,
- quarter-tone,
- quarter mile,
- quartering,
- quarterdeck,
- quarters,
- quartervine,
- quarterback,
- quarter note,
- quarter rest,
- quarter tone,
- quartermaster,
- quarterfinal,
- quartern,
- quarterlight,
- quarterly,
- quarter plate,
- quarter-vine,
- quarter round,
- quarter-hour.
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