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kermis

The definition of a kermis is a carnival or fair, particularly in the Belgium, the Netherlands, northern France and western Germany.

(noun)

An example of a kermis is a yearly church fair which is held to earn money for charity.

See kermis in Webster's New World College Dictionary

or kermess

noun

in the Netherlands, Belgium, etc., an outdoor fair or carnival
☆ any somewhat similar fair or entertainment, held usually for charity

Origin: Du kermis, orig. kerkmis < kerk, church + mis, Mass: orig. the feast day of the local patron saint, hence, a fair or carnival held on that day

See kermis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also ker·mess or kir·mess

noun

An outdoor fair in the Low Countries.
A fundraising fair or carnival.

Origin:

Origin: Dutch

Origin: , from Middle Dutch kercmisse, Mass on the anniversary of a church dedication (on which day was held a yearly fair)

Origin: : kerc, church (ultimately from Late Greek kūriakon, kūrikon (dōma), (house) of the lord; see Church )

Origin: + misse, Mass (from Late Latin missa; see mass )

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