The souls of all the pious dead; as in All Souls’ College, at Oxford, founded to offer prayers for the souls of all the faithful departed. Also, the festival on which the church of Rome makes supplications for the souls of all the faithful deceased, more fully called
All Souls’ Day [OE. ealra sawlena dæʓ; the old gen. pl. came down to the 16th c. in the form solne.] The second of November.
1556. Chron. Grey Friars, 33. On Alsolne day doctor Allyn beganne in the Gray freeres at afternone.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., V. i. 10. Buck. This is All-soules day (Fellow) is it not? Sher. It is. Buck. Why then Al-soules day, is my bodies doomsday.
All Souls’ Eve. The evening of November 1st.
1805. Scott, Last Minstrel, VI. xvi. ’Twas All-souls’ eve, and Surrey’s heart beat high.
