See also: Allhallows

English edit

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Etymology edit

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

Pronunciation edit

Proper noun edit

All Hallows

  1. (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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