black-letter day

[ blak-let-er ]

noun

1. an unlucky or tragic day.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black-letter day¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

"A black-letter day for law enforcement," mourned a Philadelphia prosecutor.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then there came a dreadful black-letter day for the child; for the father, the end of life.

From Project Gutenberg