Word Study
christen
CIDE DICTIONARY
christen, v. t. [AS. cristnian to make a Christian, fr. cristen a Christian.].
- To baptize and give a Christian name to. [1913 Webster]
- To give a name; to denominate. Bp. Burnet. [1913 Webster]
- To Christianize. Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
- To use for the first time. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
christen, v.tr.
1 give a Christian name to at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church.
2 give a name to anything, esp. formally or with a ceremony.
3 colloq. use for the first time.
1 give a Christian name to at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church.
2 give a name to anything, esp. formally or with a ceremony.
3 colloq. use for the first time.
Derivative
christener n. christening n.
Etymology
OE cristnian make Christian
THESAURUS
christen
anoint, asperge, asperse, baptize, bring up, broach, call, define, denominate, designate, dip, dub, entitle, establish, float, found, identify, immerse, inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, institute, introduce, label, launch, lift up, name, nickname, nominate, raise, ring in, set agoing, set on foot, set up, specify, sprinkle, start going, start up, style, tag, term, title, turn on, usher inROGET THESAURUS
christen
Nomenclature
VB name, call, term, denominate designate, style, entitle, clepe, dub, christen, baptize, characterize, specify, define, distinguish by the name of, label, be called, take the name of, bean the name of, go by the name of, be known by the name of, go under the name of, pass under the name of, rejoice in the name of.For further exploring for "christen" in Webster Dictionary Online
