St. Olaf
- proper noun
- In medieval history, St. Olaf is credited with firmly establishing Christianity in Norway.
Examples
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Many churches across Scandinavia are dedicated to St. Olaf.
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Did St. Olaf really unite Norway under Christianity?
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Every year, Norwegians commemorate St. Olaf with traditional festivities.
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Many people visit the shrine of St. Olaf every year.
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Every year, Norwegians commemorate St. Olaf with traditional festivities.
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In medieval history, St. Olaf is credited with firmly establishing Christianity in Norway.
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Many churches across Scandinavia are dedicated to St. Olaf.
Synonyms
1
8.9
A king of Norway from 1015 to 1028 who is the country's patron saint
A king of Norway around 1000 who is the country's patron saint and helped make it Christian
A Norwegian king from around 1000 who became Norway's patron saint after his death
A king of Norway from 995 to 1030 who became the country's patron saint after his death
Surface Forms
Morphology
St. + Olaf
The expression is a straightforward composition of 'St.' (Saint) + the proper name 'Olaf', so a learner who knows the constituents will infer it refers to a saint named Olaf. While historical specifics (that he was a Norwegian king and patron saint) are background knowledge, the basic referential meaning is directly derivable from the parts.
Etymology
The name St. Olaf comes from a real king of Norway, Olaf II, who helped bring Christianity to the country and was later called a 'saint'. That's why many churches and places were named St. Olaf, and the name now stands for that historic king and his role as the country's 'patron saint'.