‖ Sabbat
(saba)
In 7–8 sabat.
[Fr.; a special application of sabbat Sabbath.]
A ‘witches' sabbath’; see Sabbath 3. Also attrib., and fig.
| 1652 J. Wright tr. Camus' Nat. Paradox vii. 153 In this Desart corner, which..seemeth onely fit for a Sabat or Assembly of Sorcerers. 1658 tr. Bergerac's Satyr. Char. xiii. 54 As to the sabat-voyages, this is my beliefe; they noint themselves with some somniferous oyles, and as while they wake they easily fancy to be carried astride upon a broome through the chimny, into a Hall, where is feasting, dancing, and where they kisse the Goate's brich. 1763 H. Walpole Let. to Montagu 15 Aug., My youthfullity, which bears me out even at a sabat. I dined last week at Lady Blandford's, with her, the old Denbigh, the old Litchfield, and Methuselah knows who. 1861 Lytton Str. Story xxvi, I could have fancied myself at a witch's sabbat. 1893 Leland Mem. I. 75 The book was a perfect Sabbat of deviltry and dramatic horrors. |