Shrovetide

American  

[shrohv-tahyd] / ˈʃroʊvˌtaɪd /

noun

1. the three days before Ash Wednesday, once a time of confession and absolution.

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Shrovetide British  

/ ˈʃrəʊvˌtaɪd /

noun

1. the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, formerly a time when confessions were made in preparation for Lent

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Usage

What is Shrovetide? Shrovetide is the three-day period before the beginning of Lent, which is the season of fasting and penitence that precedes Easter. Shrovetide consists of Shrove Sunday, Shrove Monday, and Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and is the most well-known of the days of Shrovetide due to the tradition of eating pancakes on that day. Shrove Tuesday is sometimes called Pancake Day for this reason.

Etymology

Origin of Shrovetide

First recorded in 1375–1425, Shrovetide is from the late Middle English word shroftyde. See shrove, tide ¹

Example Sentences

The traditional Royal Shrovetide Football match in Derbyshire has been won by the Up'Ards.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2023

Probably the biggest game in the country takes place in Ashbourne where the 16-hour Royal Shrovetide Football match takes place over two days.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2020

While he is writing a dramatic treatment of the Shrovetide documentary, he also runs the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, which is a grittier version of the Sundance Festival.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2013

An outspoken cleric known for his liberal views calls it a "legal outrage" during Shrovetide week, when church tradition allows and even encourages carnival-like escapades and jokes.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2012

Churchyard the poet described, or undertook to describe, a grand Shrovetide show prepared by Ralegh, in which the gentlemen of the Guard represented the Earl's exploits in Flanders.

From Sir Walter Ralegh A Biography by Stebbing, W. (William)