SABBAT

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 27 October 2011

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SABBAT  (n. pl. -S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) an assembly of witches, devils, or sorcerers
2. (n.) any of eight neo-pagan festivals commemorating phases of the changing seasons

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -H, -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: sabbatHS, sabbatIC, sabbatICS, sabbatICAL, sabbatICALS
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:
It is no coincidence that SABBAT (a gathering of witches or pagans) looks a lot like SABBATH (a day of religious observance).  Both words derive from the same source, a Hebrew word meaning “to cease work” or “to rest,” and a SABBAT can also be called a “witches’ sabbath.”  The connection stems from the once-prevalent practice of demonizing those who celebrated the sabbath on Saturday.

A related word is COVEN: it can be used to mean “an assembly of witches” or more generally “an assembly of individuals with similar interests or activities.”  It derives from the Latin convenire (“to agree”), as do words such as CONVENE, CONVENIENT, CONVENT, and COVENANT.

This week’s theme: Spooky words

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