Nicholas
[nik-uh-luh s, nik-luh s]
- of Cu·sa [kyoo-zuh] /ˈkyu zə/, 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.German Nikolaus von Cusa.
- Grand Duke,1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.
- Saint,flourished 4th century a.d., bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.
- a male given name: from Greek words meaning “victory” and “people.”
Nicholas I
- SaintNicholas the Great, died a.d. 867, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 858–867.
- 1796–1855, czar of Russia 1825–55.
Nicholas II
- Gérard de Bourgogne, died 1061, pope 1058–61.
- 1868–1918, czar of Russia 1894–1917: executed 1918.
Nicholas III
- Giovanni Gaetani Orsini, died 1280, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 1277–80.
Nicholas IV
- Girolamo Masci, died 1292, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 1288–92.
Nicholas V
- Thomas Parentucelli, 1397?–1455, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 1447–55.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for nicholas
Contemporary Examples
The grandson of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, Nicholas Vreeland was poised for a decadent life in high-society.
I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years [with Nicholas Hoult].
‘The Fappening’ Perpetuators Have a J.Law Come-to-Jesus Moment and ‘Cower With Shame’Marlow Stern
October 8, 2014
Nicholas II, the last Romanov, built the graceful Livadia Palace on top of a hill there.
He hosted him in the one-time office of Tsar Nicholas II that overlooks a tropical garden and the Black Sea.
In 2012, Nicholas and Chris Grava worked at an orphanage in an impoverished area in Cape Town, South Africa.
Historical Examples
It is said that from the head and the feet of Nicholas flowed two fountains of oil which cured every ill.
The DreamEmile Zola
"We're havin' a dish o' discourse," returned Nicholas quietly.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
There's goin' to be a town-meetin' to-night, an' Nicholas sent me over to mention it.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
Nicholas pushed back his chair a little; he felt himself completed.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
She was standing by Nicholas, holding the edge of his sleeve.
Tiverton TalesAlice Brown
Nicholas
- Saint. 4th-century ad bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor; patron saint of Russia and of children, sailors, merchants, and pawnbrokers. Feast day: Dec 6See also Santa Claus
Nicholas I
- Saint, called the Great. died 867 ad, Italian ecclesiastic; pope (858–867). He championed papal supremacy. Feast day: Nov 13
- 1796–1855, tsar of Russia (1825–55). He gained notoriety for his autocracy and his emphasis on military discipline and bureaucracy
Nicholas II
- 1868–1918, tsar of Russia (1894–1917). After the disastrous Russo-Japanese War (1904–05), he was forced to summon a representative assembly, but his continued autocracy and incompetence precipitated the Russian Revolution (1917): he abdicated and was shot
Nicholas V
- original name Tommaso Parentucelli. 1397–1455, Italian ecclesiastic; pope (1447–55). He helped to found the Vatican Library
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for nicholas
Nicholas
masc. proper name, from French Nicolas, from Latin Nicholaus, Nicolaus, from Greek Nikholaos, literally "victory-people," from nike "victory" (see Nike) + laos "people" (see lay (adj.)). The saint (obit. 326 C.E.) was a bishop of Myra in Lycia, patron of scholars, especially schoolboys. A popular given name in England in Middle Ages, as was the fem. form Nicolaa, corresponding to French Nicole. Colloquial Old Nick "the devil" is attested from 1640s, evidently from the proper name, but for no certain reason.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper