Definition

Proper noun A Christian feast day in honor of the Archangel Michael, observed on September 29th. Historically and in some legal contexts, it is one of the four quarter days in England, Wales, and Ireland, marking a day for settling rents and accounts.

Usage

"Michaelmas Day" is used to refer to the specific date and its associated religious and traditional significance. * The university term beginning in autumn is often called the Michaelmas term. * The rent was due on Michaelmas Day. * The church service for Michaelmas Day included hymns to the Archangel.

Advanced Usage

• Quarter Day: In historical and some modern legal contexts, Michaelmas Day (September 29) is a traditional day for the payment of quarterly rents, the start and end of lease agreements, and the settling of accounts. The other three quarter days are Lady Day (March 25), Midsummer Day (June 24), and Christmas Day (December 25).

Variants and Related Words

• Michaelmas (noun): The common short form for Michaelmas Day or the Michaelmas season.
  • The Michaelmas daisy flowers in late September.
• Michaelmastide (noun): The season or time around Michaelmas.

Synonyms

• Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels
• The Feast of Saint Michael (less formal)
• Quarter Day (in its specific calendrical/legal function)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Michaelmas moon": Refers to the full moon nearest to Michaelmas, often associated in folklore with the end of the harvest.
• "Eat a goose on Michaelmas Day": Refers to an old tradition that eating goose on this day would bring financial prosperity for the coming year.

Noun

1. honoring the archangel Michael; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland