the day before Ash Wednesday, so called from the custom among the Roman Catholics of confessing their sins on that day, and so qualifying themselves for Lent. In process of time this was turned into taking leave of flesh and other dainties, and afterwards, by degrees, into sports and merrymaking. In old Scotland it was called Eastern's eve, probably the eve of the great fast. In England it received the name of "Pancake Tuesday," from the fritters and pancakes eaten on that day.