quinquagesima
/ˌkwɪŋkwəˈdʒɛsɪmə/
noun
- The Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent; also called Quinquagesima Sunday.
- In some traditions, Quinquagesima is a day of feasting before the fasting season begins.
- Quinquagesima falls about 50 days before Easter, hence its name.
- Many churches hold a special service on Quinquagesima to prepare for Lent.