Holyday

Holyday - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

HOL'YDAY, n. A day set apart for commemorating some important event in history; a festival intended to celebrate some event deemed auspicious to the welfare of a nation; particularly an anniversary festival, devoted to religious solemnities; as christmas holydays.

1. A day of joy and gayety.

2. A day of exemption from labor; a day of amusement.

HOL'YDAY, a. Pertaining to a festival; as a holyday suit of clothes.

ho'-li-da: This word occurs twice in the King James Version, namely, Ps 42:4, "a multitude that kept (the Revised Version (British and American) "keeping") holyday," and Col 2:16. In the latter case it is a rendering of the Greek word heorte, the ordinary term for a religious festival. the Revised Version (British and American) translates "feast day." In the former instance "keeping holyday" renders choghegh. The verb means to "make a pilgrimage," or "keep a religious festival." Occasionally the idea of merrymaking prevails, as in 1Sa 30:16--"eating and drinking," and enjoying themselves merrily. The Psalmist (who was perhaps an exiled priest) remembers with poignant regret how he used to lead religious processions on festival occasions.

T. Lewis