a. Gr. Antiq. rare–1. [f. Gr. (τὰ) εὐαγγέλια (pl. of εὐαγγέλιον: see EVANGELY) + -AN.] Evangelian sacrifice: transl. of Gr. τὰ εὐαγγέλια, the sacrifice offered in token of gratitude on receipt of good news.
1808. Mitford, Greece, xxxvii. § 7. IV. 357. Twice had the evangelian sacrifice been performed, as if thanks were due to the gods for signal victories.
1832. Webster, Evangelian, rendering thanks for favors [citing Mitford]. So in later Dicts.
