encaenia

[ en-seen-yuh, -see-nee-uh ]

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) festive ceremonies commemorating the founding of a city or the consecration of a church.
2. (often initial capital letter) (often used with a singular verb) ceremonies at Oxford University in honor of founders and benefactors.

encaenia

/ ɛnˈsiːnɪə /

noun

1. rare.
   a festival of dedication or commemoration

Word History and Origins

Origin of encaenia¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek enkaínia (neuter plural), equivalent to en- en- ² + -kainia, derivative of kainós new

Word History and Origins

Origin of encaenia¹

C14: via Late Latin from Greek enkainia, from kainos new

Example Sentences

It is also the name for the annual act, or Encaenia, the ceremonial closing of the academic year at Oxford University.

From Project Gutenberg

Music was from the first a regular feature of the Encaenia, and compositions were written for it.

From Project Gutenberg