encaenia

[ en-seen-yuh, -see-nee-uh ]
/ ɛnˈsin yə, -ˈsi ni ə /

noun

(used with a plural verb) festive ceremonies commemorating the founding of a city or the consecration of a church.
(often initial capital letter) (often used with a singular verb) ceremonies at Oxford University in honor of founders and benefactors.

Origin of encaenia

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek enkaínia (neuter plural), equivalent to en- en-2 + -kainia, derivative of kainós new

Example sentences from the Web for encaenia

British Dictionary definitions for encaenia

encaenia
/ (ɛnˈsiːnɪə) /

noun

rare a festival of dedication or commemoration

Word Origin for encaenia

C14: via Late Latin from Greek enkainia, from kainos new