View synonyms for kermis

kermis

or ker·mess, kir·mess

[ kur-mis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

kermis

/ ˈkɜːmɪs /

(formerly, esp in Holland and Northern Germany) an annual country festival or carnival
a similar event, esp one held to collect money for charity

Origin of kermis¹

1570–80; < Dutch, earlier ker ( c ) misse ( kerc church + misse Mass ); originally a fair at the dedication of a church

Origin of kermis¹

C16: from Middle Dutch kercmisse, from kerc church + misse Mass ; originally a festival held to celebrate the dedication of a church

The Arabs received the kermis from Armenia, and the name was originally “Quer-més,” “oak-apple.”

One week each year they have a great festival called the "Kermis," which is not unlike the old-fashioned carnival in this country.

The travelling temples reserved for the honour of poffertjes and wafelen are the most noticeable features of any Kermis.

It was at Leyden that I saw my first Kermis, or fair, seven years ago, and ate my first poffertjes and wafelen.

Writing as a foreigner, in no way concerned with the matter, I may express regret that the Kermis is not what it was in Holland.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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