Twelfth Night

noun

1. the evening before Twelfth Day, formerly observed with various festivities.
2. the evening of Twelfth Day itself.
3. (italics) a comedy (1602) by Shakespeare.

Twelfth Night

noun

1. 1. the evening of Jan 5, the eve of Twelfth Day, formerly observed with various festal celebrations
   2. the evening of Twelfth Day itself
   3. ( as modifier )

      Twelfth-Night customs

Twelfth Night

1. A comedy by William Shakespeare . The two central characters are a twin brother and sister; each thinks that the other has been lost at sea. The sister disguises herself as a boy and goes to serve the duke of the country, a bitter man disappointed in love. The brother reappears and marries the woman whom the duke has been pursuing, and his sister marries the duke. Twelfth Night begins with the line “ If music be the food of love, play on .”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Twelfth Night¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English

Example Sentences

He had broken his leg the evening before on his way home from a Twelfth-night feast at a neighbour's.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you know this is Twelfth-night—the night for telling fortunes?

From Project Gutenberg

During the entire twelve months there is no such illumination of pastry-cooks' shops, as on Twelfth-night.

From Project Gutenberg

The Twelfth-Night cake, crowned with candles, is cut and eaten with many ceremonies on this occasion.

From Project Gutenberg

Mother Coupeau, who had coughed and choked all through December, was obliged to take to her bed after Twelfth-night.

From Project Gutenberg