faoillteach

faoilleach, faoillteach

the month extending from the middle of January to the middle of February, Irish faoillidh (do.), faoilleach (do.), holidays, Carnival. The idea is "Carnival" or month of rejoicing; from faoilidh. Usually referred to faol, wolf: "wolf-month". Cf. féill. February in Irish = mí na Féile Bríghde.