early 15c., from quarter (n.) + -ly (2). As an adjective from 1560s, from -ly (1). As a noun, from 1830, "a quarterly publication," from the adjective.
two coats of arms borne quarterly
interest is compounded quarterly
quarterly report
quarry
quarryman
quart
quarter
quarterback
quarterly
quartermaster
quarters
quarterstaff
quartet
quartile