Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From classical Latin quadrīga chariot drawn by four horses harnessed abreast, singular form formed after quadrīgae (plural), contraction of quadriiugae (only recorded in grammarians), use as noun (short for quadriiugae equae mares harnessed four abreast) of feminine plural of quadriiugus (of a chariot) drawn by four horses, (of a race) involving four-horse chariots from quadri- + iugum yoke.