Noel

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:

    I know one may be damned
    For hoping no one else may e’er be so;
    —George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)

    I have a notion that gamblers are as happy as most people, being always excited; women, wine, fame, the table, even ambition, sate now & then, but every turn of the card & cast of the dice keeps the gambler alive—besides one can game ten times longer than one can do any thing else.
    —George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)

    Time, the avenger! unto thee I lift
    My hands, and eyes, and heart, and crave of thee a gift.
    —George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)