shiva(hn.
/ˈʃɪvə/ A period of seven days' mourning for the dead, beginning immediately after the funeral; to sit shiva, to observe this period. Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > obsequies > formal or ceremonial mourning > exhibit formal or ceremonial mourning [verb (intransitive)] > observe period of mourning
to sit shiva1892
the world > life > death > obsequies > formal or ceremonial mourning > [noun] > period of
mourninga1382
shiva1938
1892 I. Zangwill Children of Ghetto I. 177 If you had come round when he was sitting Shivah for Benjamin—peace be upon him!—you would have known.
1910 Jewish Chron. 29 Apr. 15/2 As an orthodox family we ‘sat shiva’; and we took to the low seats with great heaviness of heart and in utter distress.
1938 Jewish Chron. 10 June 15/2 The mourners requested that three ‘shiva’ chairs be sent to the house.
1959 B. Kops Hamlet of Stepney Green ii. i. 33 The Shiva is starting soon. Oh, those seven days of mourning.
1964 D. Gray Devil wore Scarlet vi. 41 For seven days from the day of the funeral onwards a Jewish family sits Shiva. They sit on low stools in the drawing-room..and they sort of receive their friends and relations and get their sympathy.
1976 B. Williams Making Manch. Jewry xi. 279 Members paid..4d a week, which entitled them..to shiva benefits, and to free burial.
1977 New Yorker 23 May 38/3 Elka's husband, Yontche, died, but Elka didn't observe shivah.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online March 2019).
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n.1892