candlemas

2 definitions found

candlemas - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Candlemas \Can"dle*mas\, n. [AS. candelm[ae]sse, candel candle +
     m[ae]sse mass.]
     The second day of February, on which is celebrated the feast
     of the Purification of the Virgin Mary; -- so called because
     the candles for the altar or other sacred uses are blessed on
     that day.
     [1913 Webster]

candlemas - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Candlemas
      n 1: feast day commemorating the presentation of Christ in the
           temple; a quarter day in Scotland [syn: Candlemas,
           Candlemas Day, Feb 2]