Emily Dickinson Lexicon

JU'BI-LEE, n. [Fr. jubilé; L. jubilum, from jubilo, to shout for joy; Sp. jubileo; It. giubbileo; Heb. יבל or יובל, the blast of a trumpet, coinciding with Eng. bawl, peal, L. pello.]

1. Among the Jews, every fiftieth year, being the year following the revolution of seven weeks of years, at which time all the slaves were liberated, and all lands which had been alienated during the whole period, reverted to their former owners. This was a time of great rejoicing. Hence,
2. A season of great public joy and festivity. Milton.
3. A church solemnity or ceremony celebrated at Rome, in which the pope grants plenary indulgence to sinners, or to as many as seat the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul at Rome. – Encyc.