Childermas

[ chil-der-muhs ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. Holy Innocents' Day.

childermas

/ ˈtʃɪldəˌmæs /

noun

1. archaic.
   Holy Innocents Day, Dec 28

Word History and Origins

Origin of Childermas¹

before 1000; Middle English chyldermasse, equivalent to Old English cildra (genitive plural of cild child ) + mæsse Mass

Word History and Origins

Origin of Childermas¹

Old English cylda-mæsse, from cildra, genitive plural of child , + mæsse Mass

Example Sentences

No, child; if it please God, you shall not begin upon Childermas-day; tell your writing-master that Friday will be soon enough.

From Project Gutenberg

See thou fall not hastily into the like offence, else shalt thou smart from Childermas to All-hallowtide.

From Project Gutenberg

On the eve of Innocents day (Dec. 28th), the priests gave way to the choir boys, the children, for the celebration of Childermas.

From Project Gutenberg

A central feature of the celebration was a pompous church procession following vespers on Childermas eve.

From Project Gutenberg

On Childermas day (the 28th of August) the license of the English visitors had grown to such a height, that it was.

From Project Gutenberg