{ or , n. [ Heb. khanukkāh. ] The Jewish Feast of the Dedication, instituted by Judas Maccabaeus, his brothers, and the whole congregation of Israel, in 165 b. c., to commemorate the dedication of the new altar set up at the purification of the temple of Jerusalem to replace the altar which had been polluted by Antiochus Epiphanes of Syria (1 Maccabees i. 58, iv. 59). The feast, which is mentioned in John x. 22, is held for eight days (beginning with the 25th day of Kislev, corresponding to December), and is celebrated everywhere, chiefly as a festival of lights, by the Jews. [ Also spelled Chanuka. ]
Syn. -- Chanukah, Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, Feast of the Dedication. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]