Χp̃es mæssa

Old English

Etymology

From Cristes mæsse, the abbreviation of Crist by the symbol X, from Ancient Greek Χ (Kh, “(letter chi)”), from Χριστός (Khristós, “Christ”).

Noun

Χp̃es mæssa f

  1. Xmas, Christmas
    • c. 1100, John Earle, editor, Two of the Saxon chronicles parallel‎, 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.

Descendants
  • English: X'temmas, Xtmas, Xmas
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