Pĕn’te-cōst, n.

(Synop., § 130), n. [Gr. πεντηκοστή (sc. ἡμέρα), the fiftieth day, Pentecost, Lat. pentecoste, It. pentecoste, pentecosta, Sp. pentecostes, Pr. pentecosta, Fr. pentecôte, A-S. pentecoste.] 1. A solemn festival of the Jews, so called because celebrated on the fiftieth day after the feast of the passover. It was instituted in commemoration of the gift of the law on the fiftieth day after the departure from Egypt, and as the day on which they were to offer the first fruits of the harvest. ☞ It was called the feast of weeks, because it was celebrated seven weeks after the sixteenth day of Nisan, or third day of the passover. 2. Whitsuntide, a festival of the Roman Catholic and other churches, in commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Acts ii.