HANUKKA
Ha"nuk*ka, or Ha"nuk*kah, n. [Heb. khanukkah.]
Definition: The Jewish Feast of the Dedication, instituted by Judas
Maccabæus, his brothers, and the whole congregation of Israel, in 165
b. c., to commemorate the dedication of the new altar set up at the
purification of the temple of Jerusalem to replace the altar which
had been polluted by Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees i. 58, iv. 59).
The feast, which is mentioned in John x. 22, is held for eight days
(beginning with the 25th day of Kislev, corresponding to December),
and is celebrated everywhere, chiefly as a festival of lights, by the
Jews.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition