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Walpurgis Night

noun
Wal·​pur·​gis Night | \ väl-ˈpu̇r-gəs- How to pronounce Walpurgis Night (audio) \

Definition of Walpurgis Night

1 : the eve of May Day on which witches are held to ride to an appointed rendezvous
2 : something (such as an event or situation) having a nightmarish quality

First Known Use of Walpurgis Night

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for Walpurgis Night

partial translation of German Walpurgisnacht, from Walpurgis St. Walburga †a.d. 779 English saint whose feast day falls on May Day + German Nacht night

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