Definition

Noun: 1. The Christian festival of Easter: A term, now chiefly archaic or used in specific religious contexts, referring to the annual Christian celebration commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 2. The Jewish feast of the Passover: A term for the Jewish festival (Pesach) commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the Christian holiday:
• Referring to the Jewish holiday:

Advanced Usage

• "Paschal": This is the primary related adjective form.

Variants and Related Words

• Pasch (n): The primary term.
• Pascha (n): An alternative spelling, often used in Eastern Christian traditions.
• Paschal (adj): Of or relating to Easter or Passover (e.g., paschal candle, paschal mystery).

Different Meanings

1. Christian Context: Specifically denotes the Easter festival, including its liturgical celebrations.
2. Jewish Context: Specifically denotes the Passover festival.

Synonyms

• For the Christian festival: Easter.
• For the Jewish festival: Passover, Pesach.

Notes on Usage

• The word Pasch is derived from the Hebrew (Passover) via Greek and Latin. Its application to the Christian Easter highlights the theological connection between the Passover event and the crucifixion/resurrection of Christ.
• In modern English, Easter and Passover are the common terms. Pasch is encountered primarily in historical, theological, or liturgical texts.

Noun

1. the Christian festival of Easter
2. the Jewish feast of the Passover