Hallow

/ˈhæloʊ/ verb

Definition

To make something sacred or treat it as holy; to honor or revere something as sacred.

Etymology

From Old English 'hálgian' meaning 'to make holy,' derived from 'hál' meaning 'whole' or 'holy.' Related to 'holy' and appears in 'Hallowed be thy name' from the Lord's Prayer.

Kelly Says

Hallowed is the root of 'Halloween'—October 31st is Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Hallows' Day (All Saints' Day), showing how this ancient word for 'making sacred' got tangled up with costumes and candy.

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