Phrase guide

Tobias night

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /təʊˈbaɪəs naɪt/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A wedding night on which consummation of the marriage is postponed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: in-plural

Examples

  • 1922, In various parts of Germany and Switzerland continence is observed for three nights after marriage, which are frequently known as the “Tobias nights”; it is believed that otherwise the wedded life of the couple would be unlucky, whereas if they abstain from intercourse the devil will not be able to do any harm. — Edward Westermarck, History of Human Marriage (Kessinger 2003, p.558)

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

With reference to Tobit 8:1-3, in which Tobias banishes a demon on his wedding-night.