Noel
Noel (also spelled Nowell or Noël) (nəʊˈɛl) is an alternative word for Christmas. It first entered the English language in the 14th century. The word comes from Middle English noel, which derives from the Old French word noël and its more common form naël. The English spelling "Noël" is taken directly from modern French, which also derives from the Old French. The ultimate Latin origin is the phrase nātālis (diēs), "(day) of birth".
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Famous quotes containing the word noel:
“‘Tis pleasant, sure, to see one’s name in print;
A book’s a book, although there’s nothing in’t.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“Every day confirms my opinion on the superiority of a vicious life—and if Virtue is not its own reward I don’t know any other stipend annexed to it.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“A man must serve his time to every trade
Save censure—critics all are ready made.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)