Definition

Proper noun: * Saint Crispin: The patron saint of shoemakers, leatherworkers, and other craftspeople who work with leather. According to tradition, he and his brother, Saint Crispinian, were martyred in the 3rd century for spreading Christianity.

Usage and Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Shoemakers in the medieval guild would often celebrate the feast of St. Crispin.
  • The chapel is dedicated to St. Crispin, the patron of cobblers.

Advanced Usage and Cultural Reference

• "St. Crispin's Day": Refers to October 25th, the feast day of Saints Crispin and Crispinian. It is most famously referenced in William Shakespeare's history play . In the "St. Crispin's Day Speech," King Henry V rallies his outnumbered troops before the Battle of Agincourt, which was fought on October 25, 1415.
  • "And gentlemen in England now a-bed / Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, / And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks / That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day." (William Shakespeare, Henry V)

Variants and Related Words

• St. Crispinian (Proper noun): The brother of St. Crispin, with whom he is traditionally venerated as a co-patron saint.
• Crispin (Proper noun): A common shortened or familiar reference to St. Crispin. It is also a given name derived from the saint.

Synonyms

• Patron saint of shoemakers: This is a descriptive synonym for St. Crispin's primary role.

Noun

1. patron saint of shoemakers; he and his brother were martyred for trying to spread Christianity (3rd century)