Martinmas St Martin's Day, 11 November, feast of St Martin of Tours. In Scotland, it is one of the two term-days recognized by common law. In many parts of England it was traditionally the time for hiring servants, and the day on which hiring fairs were held. It was also the time at which cattle and other farm animals were slaughtered, to be salted for the winter, and the phrases Martinmas beef and Martinmas meat refer to this, as does the proverbial saying, every hog has its Martinmas.

Martinmas feast of the translation of St. Martin of Tours. 11 Nov. XIII. f. Martin + MASS1.