Χp̃es mæssa
Old English
editEtymology
editFrom Cristes mæsse, the abbreviation of Crist by the symbol X, from Ancient Greek Χ (Kh, “(letter chi)”), from Χριστός (Khristós, “Christ”).
Noun
edit- Xmas, Christmas
- c. 1100, John Earle, editor, Two of the Saxon chronicles parallel[1], Oxford: Clarendon, published 1892, page 235:
- On þison geare se cyng Willelm heold his hired to Χp̃es mæssa on Gleaweceastre. ⁊ to Eastron on Winceastre. ⁊ to Pentecosten on Westmynstre.
- In this year the King William held his court at Xmas in Glocester, and at Easter in Winchester, and at Pentecost in Westminster.