Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MAUN-DY-THURS'DAY, n. [supposed to be from Sax. Mand, a basket; because on that day princes used to give alms to the poor from their baskets; or from dies mandati, the day of command, on which day our Saviour gave his great mandate, that we should love one another. Lye. Johnson.]

The Thursday in Passion week, or next before Good Friday.