/lent/ , n.
(in the Christian religion) an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and certain other churches.
[ bef. 1000; ME lente ( n ), OE lencten, lengten spring, Lent, lit., lengthening (of daylight hours); c. D lente, G Lenz spring; see LENTEN ]