Fēb'ru-a-ry, n.

n. [Lat. Februarius, the month of expiation, because on the fifteenth of this month the great feast of expiation and purification was held, from februum, originally, in the Sabine language, a purgative, hence, februa, plural, the Roman festival of purification, and februare, to purify, expiate; It. Febbraro, Febbrajo, Sp. Febrero, Pg. Fecereiro, Pr. Febrier, Fr. Février.] The second month in the year, introduced into the Roman calendar by Numa. In common years this month contains 28 days; in the bissextile, or leap-year, 29 days.