étrenne

See also: étrenné

French

Etymology

Inherited from Old French estreine, inherited from Latin strēna.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /e.tʁɛn/
  • Audio (Canada):(file)

Noun

étrenne f (plural étrennes)

  1. (obsolete) the first sale of the day made by a shopkeeper, merchant etc.
  2. (rare) the first time something is used/worn/done
  3. (in the plural) New Year's gift; Christmas present (especially when talking to a child)
    Et que veux-tu pour tes étrennes?And what would you like for Christmas?
    • 1894, Crafty, À travers Paris, page 14:
      Les gens prévoyants n’ont pas attendu le Ier janvier pour expédier leurs étrennes.
      The far-sighted did not wait until January 1st to send their New Year's gifts.

Derived terms

Further reading