Hallow

Hallow is a term with multiple related meanings in English. As a verb, to hallow means to set apart as holy or to consecrate something for sacred use. In religious and literary contexts, the verb appears in phrases that describe sanctification or dedication.

As a noun, hallow refers to a holy person or saint, an archaic or literary usage. The noun appears in fixed expressions such as All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) and All Hallows’ Eve, the latter giving rise to the modern name Halloween. The word’s religious sense is connected to the Old English root hālig, meaning holy.

Etymology and usage: Hallow derives from the Old English term for holy and shares a common lineage with related words in other Germanic languages. The term survives primarily in historical, religious, or literary contexts, and in place names and fixed phrases rather than as a common everyday noun.

Geography: Hallow is the name of at least one village and civil parish in Worcestershire, England. The name appears in other English localities as well, reflecting historical associations with sanctity or religious significance in place-naming.

In modern usage, hallow is encountered mainly in fixed phrases linked to saints and holy things, or in historical and religious discussions. The familiar everyday term Halloween ultimately derives from All Hallows’ Eve, illustrating the linguistic path from sacred terminology to a widely celebrated festival. See also All Saints’ Day and All Hallows’ Eve.