defining thanksgiving

Can the word "thanksgiving" really be defined?

thanks·giv·ing

   

[thangks-giv-ing] 

–noun

1.

the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment ofbenefits or favors, esp. to God.

2.

an expression of thanks, esp. to God.

3.

a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.

4.

a day set apart for giving thanks to God.

5.

( initial capital letter ) Thanksgiving Day.

Word Origin & History

thanksgiving 

1530s, "the giving of thanks," from thanks  (n.) + giving . The noun thanks  is attested from mid-14c., from the verb thank. In the specific sense of "public celebration acknowledging divine favors" thanksgiving dates from 1632 (the first one in America was held October 1621 by Plymouth Colony Pilgrims in appreciation of assistance from members of the Massasoit tribe and celebration of the first harvest); though Thanksgiving Day itself is not attested until 1674.

Can the word "thanksgiving" really be defined?

No matter what you think of the definitions above,

this scripture below paints a beautiful description of thanksgiving.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name."

Psalm 100:4

Thanksgiving blessings to all of you,

Caroline