Hogmanay
oxford
views updated Jun 08 2018Hogmanay in
Scotland,
New Year's Eve, and the celebrations that take place at this time. Also, a gift of cake etc. demanded by children at Hogmanay. The word is recorded from the early 17th century, and perhaps comes from an Anglo-
Norman French form of Old French
aguillanneuf ‘last day of the year, new year's gift’.
The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES
Hogmanay
oxford
views updated May 11 2018Hogmanay In
Scotland,
New Year's Eve. Traditionally more festive than
Christmas, the Hogmanay celebrations date back to Celtic times.
World Encyclopedia
hogmanay
oxford
views updated Jun 08 2018hogmanay (Sc. and north.) last day of the year. XVII. Corr. in meaning and use to OF.
aguillanneuf last day of the year, new-year's gift, of which the Norman form
hoguinané may be the immed. source of the Eng. word.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD
