/kwawr"teuhr lee/ , adj., n., pl. quarterlies , adv.
adj.
1. occurring, done, paid, issued, etc., at the end of every quarter of a year: a quarterly report; quarterly interest.
2. pertaining to or consisting of a quarter.
n.
3. a periodical issued every three months.
adv.
4. by quarters; once each quarter of a year: The bank pays interest quarterly.
5. Heraldry.
a. with division into four quarters.
b. in the four quarters of an escutcheon.
[ 1400-50; late ME; see QUARTER, -LY ]