E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lent (Anglo-Saxon, lencten).
Lenctentid (spring-tide) was the Saxon name for March, because in this month there is a manifest lengthening of the days. As the chief part of the great fast falls in March, this period of fast received the name of the Lencten-fœsten, or Lent. It is from Ash Wednesday to Easter.
1
The Fast of thirty-six days was introduced in the fourth century. Felix III. added four more days in 487, to make it correspond with our Lord’s fast in the wilderness.
2
Galeazzo’s Lent. A form of torture devised by Galeazzo Visconti, calculated to prolong the unfortunate victim’s life for forty days.
The Fast of thirty-six days was introduced in the fourth century. Felix III. added four more days in 487, to make it correspond with our Lord’s fast in the wilderness.
