February

(fib'roo-a-re.) (Sabine L. februum, a purification.] (Calendar.) The 2d month of the year, or that which intervenes bet. January and March. It derives its name from the Februa, a Roman festival held on the 15th of this month, in honor of Lupercus, the god of fertility, and as a lustration of the land. In the ordinary year, F. consists of only 28 days,but in the bi extile or leap year it has 29, on account of the intercalary day then added to it. [s. 358]