Martinmas

[ mahr-tn-muhs ]

noun

1. a church festival, November 11, in honor of St. Martin.

Martinmas

/ ˈmɑːtɪnməs /

noun

1. the feast of St Martin on Nov 11; one of the four quarter days in Scotland

Word History and Origins

Origin of Martinmas¹

1250–1300; Middle English Martinmasse. See Saint (Saint) Martin, Mass ( def )

Example Sentences

Martinmas also takes place on Nov. 11, and it was widely celebrated as the start of winter, which coincided with seasonal preparations, such as the butchering of animals like geese.

From Salon

The Raisin Monday celebrations fall in the middle part of the university's Martinmas Semester.

From BBC

"Don't stand there babbling like a drunken mummer at Martinmas fair!" he shouted, with a round oath.

From Project Gutenberg

If I had been wise, and had ta'en advice,5 And dane as my bonny love bade me, I would hae been married at Martinmas, And been wi' my rantin' laddie.

From Project Gutenberg

The rotation of crops was unknown; and winter food for sheep and cattle not being raised, the greater number were slaughtered and salted at Martinmas.

From Project Gutenberg