Candlemas n 1: feast day commemorating the presentation of Christ in the temple; a quarter day in Scotland [syn: {Candlemas}, {Candlemas Day}, {Feb 2}]
Candlemas \Can"dle*mas\, n. [AS. candelm[ae]sse, candel candle + m[ae]sse mass.] The second day of February, on which is celebrated the feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary; -- so called because the candles for the altar or other sacred uses are blessed on that day. [1913 Webster]