ˈsantə̇ˌklȯz, ˈsaan-, -tēˌ- noun
Usage: usually capitalized S&C
Etymology: from Santa Claus, legendary Christmas figure, modification of Dutch Sinterklaas, alteration of Sint Nikolaas St. Nicholas fl 4th century A.D. bishop of Myra, in Lycia, Asia Minor who is considered as patron saint of children and who is fabled as having provided three maidens with dowry by throwing in at their window purses of gold
: the religious and holiday spirit of Christmas personified