Whit Sunday

noun

1. the seventh Sunday after Easter, observed as a feast in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles 50 days after Easter Also calledPentecost

Word History and Origins

Origin of Whit Sunday¹

Old English hwīta sunnandæg white Sunday, probably named after the ancient custom of wearing white robes at or after baptism

Example Sentences

Two military jets flew alongside an Air France flight into New York as a precaution, after U.S. officials had difficulty reaching Air France on what is Memorial Day in the U.S. and also a holiday in France — the day after Pentecost Sunday, otherwise known as Whit Sunday.

From MSNBC

At the five principal feasts of the year the abbess left her hall and dined in state in the frater, to wit on Easter Day, Whit Sunday, Assumption Day, St Alburgh’s Day and Christmas Day; and on these occasions the cellaress had to ask the clerk of the abbess’ kitchen for “supper eggs” for the convent, two for each lady.

From Project Gutenberg

On the day before Whit Sunday they reached Montserrat, where they seized two small ships, but one, proving to be the property of Royalists, was released.

From Project Gutenberg

On Whit Sunday I called on the Count of Aranda, and Don Diego, who was exquisitely dressed, dined with me.

From Project Gutenberg

It was Whit Sunday, and as the theatres were closed he told me that, if I would be at the same place of Appointment as before, the next day, he would leave his sister with me, and go by himself with Madame C——, whom he could not honourably leave alone.

From Project Gutenberg