All Hallows

See also: Allhallows

English

From all + plural of hallow (“saint”). Forms in -n (All-Hallown etc.) show reflex of the original genitive plural (Old English halgena).

(archaic) The saints, taken collectively. [from 10th c.]
- 1666, William Dugdale, Origines Juridiciales:
  There should be four Reveals that year, and no more; one at the feast of All hallown, another at the feast of St. Erkenwald.
- 1847, George Lipscomb, The History and Antiquities of the County of Buckingham:
  In this parish were, anciently, two Chantries; one situated in Edlesborough, and dedicated to St. Mary; 1 and the other in the Hamlet of Dagnall, dedicated to All Hallows [...].
- 1897, William Morris, The Water of the Wondrous Isles:
  I swear by All-hallows that I will not let any have it to hire, nor will I sell it, since thou hast made it holy by dwelling therein.
(chiefly archaic) All Saints' Day, the 1st of November; the Christian feast day honoring all Christian saints. [from 10th c.]

Christian feast — see also All Saints' Day