Birthnight

[f. BIRTH¹ + NIGHT.]

  1.  The night on which any one is born.

1671.  Milton, P. R., IV. 506. The Angelic Song in Bethlehem field, On thy birth-night.

1849.  Southey, Com.-pl. Bk., Ser. II. 420. The fire … was extinguished on the birth-night of the Prophet.

  2.  ‘The night annually kept in memory of anyone’s birth’ (J.).

1628.  Dryden, Relig. Laici, Pref. Now they celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s birthnight.

1798.  T. Jefferson, in Harper’s Mag. (1885), March, 536/2. Subscription for General Washington’s birth night 5 D.

a. 1845.  Hood, Sea of Death. They lay in loveliness, and kept the birthnight of their peace.

  † 3.  spec. The evening of a royal birthday (see BIRTHDAY 2); the court-festival held thereon. Obs.

1712.  Budgell, Spect., No. 277, ¶ 9. That you may not be surprised at my appearing a la mode de Paris on the next Birth-night.

1730.  Swift, Vind. Carteret, Wks. 1755, V. II. 181. To … dance at a birth-night.

  b.  attrib.

1712.  Pope, Rape Lock, I. 23. A Youth more glitt’ring than a Birth-night Beau.

1800.  Mar. Edgeworth, Belinda, iii. The crape petticoat of her birthnight dress.

1818.  Scott, Hrt. Midl. Dropped a curtsy as low as a lady at a birth-night introduction.