martinmas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “martinmas” mean?
A Christian feast day on November 11th, commemorating Saint Martin of Tours.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian feast day on November 11th, commemorating Saint Martin of Tours.
Historically, one of the four quarter days in Scotland and England marking rent payments, hiring fairs, and the end of the agricultural year; also signifies the beginning of winter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'Martinmas' is retained in historical, legal (Scottish), and ecclesiastical contexts. In American English, it is almost exclusively a historical or liturgical term, largely unknown in general usage.
Connotations
UK: Historical calendars, farming year, rent days, Scottish tradition. US: Primarily church history, medieval studies.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, but marginally more likely to be encountered in UK historical or Scottish legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “martinmas” in a Sentence
[Event] falls on Martinmas.The [fair/term] begins at Martinmas.Rent was due at Martinmas.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “martinmas” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Martinmas term was crucial for the settlement of farm servants' contracts in Scotland.
- The old almanac still marked Martinmas as a quarter day.
American English
- The medieval manuscript recorded the celebration of Martinmas.
- The professor discussed the economic significance of Martinmas in feudal Europe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historically, a quarter day for settling accounts and rents; obsolete in modern business.
Academic
Used in history, theology, and medieval studies.
Everyday
Virtually unused.
Technical
May appear in ecclesiastical calendars or historical Scottish legal documents.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martinmas”
- Misspelling as 'Martinmass' (should be 'Martinmas').
- Using it in a modern secular context.
- Pronouncing the 't' in 'Martin' as silent (it is pronounced).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Martinmas is not a widely observed public holiday in the modern era, though it may be commemorated in some church services.
'Martinmas summer' is an old term for a period of mild, sunny weather in early November, similar to an 'Indian summer', named for its proximity to the feast day.
They share the same date (November 11th) but are different observances. Martinmas is a religious feast, while Armistice Day/Veterans Day commemorates the end of WWI and honors military veterans.
It is mainly referenced in historical texts, ecclesiastical calendars, and in the context of Scottish legal history regarding traditional quarter days.
A Christian feast day on November 11th, commemorating Saint Martin of Tours.
Martinmas is usually formal, historical, ecclesiastical in register.
Martinmas: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːtɪnməs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrtɪnməs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Martinmas summer' (archaic term for a period of unseasonably warm weather in early November, akin to 'Indian summer').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MARTIN' (the saint) + 'MAS' (from 'mass', meaning a feast day). It's St. Martin's feast.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CALENDAR LANDMARK (a fixed point in the yearly cycle signifying a change of season and economic activity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary contemporary use of the word 'Martinmas'?