Definition

Proper noun 1. A Christian holy day: Holy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles, an event central to Christian tradition.

Usage

Holy Thursday is used to refer specifically to this religious observance within the Christian calendar. * The church service on Holy Thursday is often very solemn. * Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum.

Advanced Usage

• "Observe Holy Thursday": To participate in the religious ceremonies of this day.
  • The faithful gather to observe Holy Thursday with a special Mass.
• "Holy Thursday liturgy": Refers to the specific religious service or order of worship for this day.
  • The washing of feet is a key part of the Holy Thursday liturgy.

Variants and Related Words

• Maundy Thursday: A direct synonym for Holy Thursday, commonly used in many Christian denominations. "Maundy" derives from the Latin "mandatum," meaning commandment, referring to Jesus' commandment to love one another.
• Thursday of Holy Week: A descriptive phrase for the same day.

Synonyms

• Maundy Thursday

Notes on Different Meanings

• Capitalization: "Holy Thursday" is always capitalized as it is the name of a specific holy day.
• Not a General Date: It does not refer to any Thursday that is considered sacred for another reason; it is fixed to the Easter calendar.

Noun

1. the Thursday before Easter; commemorates the Last Supper