Xmas

Definition

Abbreviation of Christmas.

Etymology

Attested in this form since 1755, and preceded by earlier forms such as X'temmas (1551) and Old English Χp̃es mæssa (1100), from Cristes mæsse, with abbreviation of Cristes by the symbol X, orthographic borrowing from Ancient Greek Χ (Kh, letter chi), from Χριστός (Khristós, “Christ”). By surface analysis, X (“Christ”) + -mas (“holiday”). In popular use since late 19th century. See Wikipedia for more information.

Example Sentences

• "N:Castle (Xmassing and wanted at play)"
• "I wᵈ not have you think yᵗ we have no Xmassing here; we have had as large a round of dinners at Pau as we could have at Welsbourn (tho perhaps (to me) not quite so pleasant)."
• "Barking, Saturday, Nov. 29. / Dear and Respected Master, / Excusez ma “franchise,” but “Essence of Parliament” is this week represented by ˣ⁄ₓ, and that’s the reason Y. So no more at present from Your fond and faithful Toby. / “Confound his algebraical impudence!” exclaimed Mr. Punch. “He’s beginning Xmassing already. When he returns, I shall make Master Toby sit up.”"