Definition of "Summer"

I am very prodigall of cappings, namely in Summer, and I never receive any from what quality of men ſoever, but I giue them as good and as many as they bring, except he be ſome ſervant of mine.

1603, Michel de Montaigne, “Of Presumption”, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], page 368

Notwithstanding the tristness of the town, there are many visitors during the Summer who come for quiet and economy.

1844, Charles Wilkes, “Jaunt into Pennsylvania”, in William James Morgan, David B. Tyler, Joye L. Leonhart, Mary F. Loughlin, editors, Autobiography of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, U. S. Navy 1798–1877, Washington, D.C.: Naval History Division, Department of the Navy/U.S. Government Printing Office, published 1978, page 570

In early Summer, several years ago, we were ornithologizing in a beautiful clump of natural wood along a steep brae face, so well sheltered from the north and east, and with so sunny and southern an aspect, that it had been known to us for years as the very paradise of all sorts of singing birds in the nesting season.The edition published in The Bayonne Herald and Greenville Register (14 July 1883) uses summer.

1883 November 8, “Weasel and Hare”, in South-Western Presbyterian, volume XV, number 40, New Orleans, La., page 3, column 5

In the good old Summer time you need pack-away space and plenty of it.

1903, The Unitarian Register - Volume 82, page 872

Since men are old offenders in the matter of bare-handedness let us put forth our best efforts in May to keep them gloved as far into the Summer season as possible.

1929, The Glovers Review - Volume 29, page xiv

Several years ago starlings took over the residential sections for their nightly roostings during the Summer months.

1950, The Rotarian, volume 77, number 5, page 12