[f. FESTIVAL a. or sb. + DAY.] The day on which a festival is held or kept.
1389. in Eng. Gilds (1870), 45. On candelle of j.li. of waxe, brennend euery festiuale dai thorow-out þe yere.
1489. Caxton, Faytes of A., IV. xiv. 270. The festyual dayes be ordeyned for to serue god onely.
1582. N. T. (Rhem.), John vii. 2. The festival day of the Iewes, Scenopégia, was at hand.
1623. Cockeram, Vigill, the eue or day before a festiuall day.
1844. Dickens, Chuzzlewit, xxxiv. (1890), 431. ‘If the biler of this vessel was Toe bust, sir,’ said his new acquaintance, ‘and Toe bust now, this would be a fesTIval day in the calendar of despotism.’
