n. Santa Claus. [Alteration of German dialectal Christkindl, Christmas present, the Christ child : German Christ, Christ (from Middle High German Krist, from Old High German Krīst, from Latin Chrīstus; see CHRIST) + German dialectal Kindl (diminutive of German Kind, child, from Middle High German kint, from Old High German kind; see genə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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