Shrove Tuesday

[ shrohv tooz-dey, -dee, tyooz- ]

noun

1. the last day of Shrovetide, once observed as a time of confession and absolution, later as a season of merrymaking before Lent. Fat Tuesday ( def ), Mardi Gras ( def 1 ).

Shrove Tuesday

noun

1. the last day of Shrovetide; Pancake Day

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shrove Tuesday¹

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

Beating the Hatters gave Chris Wilder's side a tiny glimmer of hope of avoiding the drop but, after this result, I am expecting them to feel as flat as a leftover pancake from Shrove Tuesday.

From BBC

At the word “Go” they sprinted through the streets, trying not to drop their pancakes as they roughly traced the path taken by a harried housewife in 1445, who legend has it heard the church bells signaling the Shrove Tuesday service and raced off with her skillet.

From Seattle Times

Celebrated as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday in other parts of the world, the name Shrove Tuesday derives from the English word meaning to seek forgiveness or be granted absolution.

From Seattle Times

An historic Shrove Tuesday ball game in Warwickshire has been held for the 824th time.

From BBC

The Shrove Tuesday event sees hundreds of people grapple in the street for possession of a heavy ball.

From BBC