Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Jubilee
Ju′bi-lee
,Noun.
[F.
jubilé
, L. jubilaeus
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. Heb. yōbel
the blast of a trumpet, also the grand sabbatical year, which was announced by sound of trumpet.] 1.
(Jewish Hist.)
Every fiftieth year, being the year following the completion of each seventh sabbath of years, at which time all the slaves of Hebrew blood were liberated, and all lands which had been alienated during the whole period reverted to their former owners.
[In this sense spelled also, in some English Bibles,
jubile
.] Lev. xxv. 8-17.
2.
The joyful commemoration held on the fiftieth anniversary of any event;
as, the
jubilee
of Queen Victoria’s reign; the jubilee
of the American Board of Missions.3.
(R. C. Ch.)
A church solemnity or ceremony celebrated at Rome, at stated intervals, originally of one hundred years, but latterly of twenty-five; a plenary and extraordinary indulgence granted by the sovereign pontiff to the universal church. One invariable condition of granting this indulgence is the confession of sins and receiving of the eucharist.
4.
A season of general joy.
The town was all a
jubilee
of feasts. Dryden.
5.
A state of joy or exultation.
[R.]
“In the jubilee of his spirits.” Sir W. Scott.
Webster 1828 Edition
Jubilee
JU'BILEE
,Noun.
1.
Among the Jews, every fiftieth year, being the year following the revolution of seven weeks of years, at which time all the slaves were liberated,and all lands which had been alienated during the whole period,reverted to their former owners. This was a time of great rejoicing. Hence,
2.
A season of great public joy and festivity.3.
A church solemnity or ceremony celebrated at Rome, in which the pope grants plenary indulgence to sinners, or to as many as visit the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul at Rome.