Definition

Noun: A specific day that is officially set aside or celebrated for the purpose of holding a feast, often for religious or cultural reasons.

Usage

A "feast day" is a designated day of celebration, typically involving a special meal or festivities. It is most commonly used in religious contexts to mark a saint's day or a significant event in a religious calendar. - The village celebrates its patron saint's feast day every July with a large public meal. - Christmas is an important feast day in many Christian traditions.

Advanced Usage

• "To observe a feast day": To formally celebrate or commemorate the day according to tradition.
  • The family observes the feast day by attending mass and sharing a special dinner.

Variants and Related Words

• Feast (n): A large and special meal for many people, often a celebration.
  • The wedding feast was magnificent.
• Festival (n): A day or period of celebration, often involving public entertainment. While similar, a "festival" is broader and not necessarily centered on a feast.
  • The music festival lasts for three days.

Synonyms

• Holy day: A religious day for observance.
• Festal day: A day of celebration or festivity (more formal/literary).

Related Phrases

• Moveable feast: A religious feast day that does not occur on the same calendar date each year.
  • Easter is a moveable feast.

Noun

1. a day designated for feasting