NOËL (Old Fr. Nouel; Burgundian Noé; Norman Nuel; Poitevin Nau; Germ. Weihnachts Gesang; Eng. Nowell, Nouell, Christmas Carol). A peculiar kind of Hymn, or Canticle, of mediæval origin, composed, and sung, in honour of the Nativity of Our Lord.
The word Noël has so long been accepted as the French equivalent for Christmas,
that we may safely dispense with a dissertation upon its etymology. Moreover, whatever opinions may be entertained as to its root, it is impossible to doubt the propriety...