Maundy Thursday

American

noun

the Thursday of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' Last Supper and His washing of the disciples' feet upon that day.

Maundy Thursday British

noun

Christianity the Thursday before Easter observed as a commemoration of the Last Supper

"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

Etymology

Origin of Maundy Thursday

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Holy Thursday, known in Britain as Maundy Thursday, Charles skipped a service at which the monarch traditionally hands out gifts of special “Maundy Money” coins to people involved in community service.

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2024

The event is held every year on the Thursday before Easter, known as Maundy Thursday in Britain.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 28, 2024

The King has recorded a message for the Maundy Thursday service praising those who "extend the hand of friendship, especially in a time of need".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2024

Easter is the third day of the larger three-day festival known as Holy Triduum, which begins on the evening of Maundy Thursday, marking the night of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2022

For the ceremonial washing of feet, see Maundy Thursday.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023