childermas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ObsoleteHistorical / Ecclesiastical / Literary / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “childermas” mean?
A now-rare historical church feast day commemorating the massacre of the Holy Innocents (young children killed by Herod).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A now-rare historical church feast day commemorating the massacre of the Holy Innocents (young children killed by Herod).
The feast day observed on December 28th (or 29th in some traditions) in the Christian calendar, also known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents. In some older English usage, it could refer to a time associated with children or childhood.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern regional difference, as the term is equally archaic in both dialects. Historically, it might have been slightly better preserved in UK ecclesiastical texts.
Connotations
Historical, somber (referring to a massacre), liturgical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both regions. Possibly encountered more in British historical novels or church history texts, but this is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “childermas” in a Sentence
[observe/celebrate] + Childermas[on/at] + ChildermasChildermas + [day/feast/tide]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “childermas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Childermas rites were sombre.
- A Childermas sermon.
American English
- The Childermas traditions are ancient.
- A Childermas observance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, theological, or literary studies discussing medieval or early modern church festivals.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical calendars and historical liturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “childermas”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “childermas”
- Using it as a general term for Christmas or a children's celebration.
- Pronouncing it as 'child-er-mass' with equal stress on all syllables.
- Assuming it is in current common use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is officially observed in some traditional Christian liturgical calendars (e.g., Anglican, Catholic) on December 28th, but general public awareness and celebration are virtually non-existent.
'Mas' is a Middle English variant of 'Mass', referring to the church service or feast day.
Only in very specific historical, literary, or ecclesiastical contexts. Using it in general modern communication will likely cause confusion.
It is part of the Christmastide period in the traditional church calendar, falling shortly after Christmas Day, but it is a distinct feast with a sombre theme.
A now-rare historical church feast day commemorating the massacre of the Holy Innocents (young children killed by Herod).
Childermas is usually historical / ecclesiastical / literary / archaic in register.
Childermas: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪldəməs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪldərˌmæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHILDREN' at MASS — a mass for the children, the Holy Innocents.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A FESTIVAL (Childermas as a point in the ritual calendar).
Practice
Quiz
What is Childermas?