jubilee

noun10

1. •
   A major anniversary of an event, particularly the fiftieth (50th) anniversary of a coronation or marriage.

   • [A] married couple, when celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage-day, are said to keep their golden jubilee, but on the 25th anniversary they have credit only for a silver jubilee. — 1853
2. •
   (figurative) A time of celebration or rejoicing.

   • But you first shall taste / The bounty of our Court, with royall Presents / Both to the Duke your master, and the Princesse; / It done, prepare we for this great solemnity, / Of Hymeneall Iubilies. — 1634
3. •
   A special year of emancipation supposed to be observed every fifty years, when farming was temporarily stopped, certain houses and land which had been sold could be redeemed by the original owners or their relatives, and Hebrew slaves set free.
4. •
   A special year (originally held every hundred years, then at more frequent intervals, and now declarable by the Pope at any time and also for periods less than a year) in which plenary indulgences and remission from sin can be granted upon making a pilgrimage to Rome or other designated churches.
5. •
   (figurative) A time for release or restitution.

   • "Hurrah! hurrah! we bring the Jubilee! / Hurrah! Hurrah! the flag that makes you free!" / So we sung the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, / While we were marching through Georgia. — 1865
6. •
   (figurative) Exultation, rejoicing; jubilation.

   • The peoples joy to knovv us reconcild, / Is added to the Iubile of the day, / VVe have no more a faction but one heart, / Peace flovv in every bosome. — 1634
7. •
   (figurative) The sound of celebration or rejoicing; shouts of joy.

   • […] Heav'n rung / VVith Jubilee, and loud Hosanna's fill'd / Th' eternal Regions: […] — 1667
8. •
   [before a noun] A joyful African-American (usually Christian) folk song.
9. •
   (no longer used) A period of fifty years; a half-century.
10. •
    (no longer used, rare) A fiftieth year.

    • But is't possible he should believe he is not of age? vvhy / He is 50, man, in's Jubile I vvarrant: s'light, he / Looks older then a groat, the very stamp on's face is / VVorne out vvith handling. — 1616