SHROVE TUESDAY

The Tuesday after Quinquaaa Sunday, and immediately preceding Ash Wednesday;so called from the Sax. shriven, to confe , because on that day confe ion was made preparatory to the fast of Lent. The custom of ringing the bells for this occasion was long retained in many parishes, particularly in London;although the vulgar name of " pancake bell" shows that little was left of the solemnity beyond the dinner on pancakes which followed it. See Brand's Popular Antiquities,for an account of the various Shrove tide or carnival amusements of this country. [s. 1137]