All Hallows

      English

      Alternative forms

      • All-Hallows
      • All-Hallown

      Etymology

      From all + plural of hallow (saint). Forms in -n (All-Hallown etc.) show reflex of the original genitive plural (Old English halgena).

      Pronunciation

      • (UK) IPA: /ˌɔːl ˈhaləʊz/

      Proper noun

      All Hallows

      1. (chiefly archaic) The saints, taken collectively. [from 10th c.]
        • 1666, William Dugdale, Origines Juridiciales:
          There should be four Reveals that year, and no more; one at the feast of All hallown, another at the feast of St. Erkenwald.
        • 1847, George Lipscomb, The History and Antiquities of the County of Buckingham:
          In this parish were, anciently, two Chantries ; one situated in Edlesborough, and dedicated to St. Mary ; 1 and the other in the Hamlet of Dagnall, dedicated to All Hallows [...].
        • 1897, William Morris, The Water of the Wondrous Isles:
          I swear by All-hallows that I will not let any have it to hire, nor will I sell it, since thou hast made it holy by dwelling therein.
      2. (chiefly archaic) All Saints' Day, the 1st of November; the Christian feast day honoring all Christian saints. [from 10th c.]

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      Last modified on 16 June 2013, at 14:03