[ad. F. trimestre sb. (Cotgr., 1611), ad. L. trimestris adj., f. TRI- + mensis month.] A period or term of three months.
1804. Hull Packet, 28 Nov., 3/2. Some of the interest due to the State creditors has not been paid since Trimester, year XI. January and April, 1803, whilst others, and those most favoured, have obtained the interest due in the first Trimester, year XII. or September, and December, 1803.
1821. S. Weston (title), A Trimester in France and Swisserland; or, a three months’ journey … from Calais to Basle.
1872. J. R. Chadwick, in Boston Med. & Surg. Jrnl., X. N.S. 15 Aug., 111/1/. The normal term of gestation, 280 days (reckoned from the commencement of last menstruation), is then divided into ten lunar months; these, exclusive of the tenth month, are arranged in trimesters.
1895. Current Hist. (U. S.), V. 573. The cause of the insurgents seems to have made good progress in the third trimester of the revolt.
1907. Westm. Gaz., 6 Feb., 12/1. His two trimesters at Bonn University barely sufficed for him to attend a score of lectures.
So † Trimestre a. Obs. rare–0. = next.
1623. Cockeram, Trimestre, of three moneths.
