Nicholas

[nik-uh-luh s, nik-luh s] /ˈnɪk ə ləs, ˈnɪk ləs/
noun
1.
of Cusa
[kyoo-zuh] /ˈkyu zə/ (Show IPA), 1401–1464, German cardinal, mathematician, and philosopher.
German Nikolaus von Cusa.
2.
Grand Duke, 1856–1929, Russian general in World War I.
3.
Saint, flourished 4th century a.d, bishop in Asia Minor: patron saint of Russia; protector of children and prototype of the legendary Santa Claus.
4.
a male given name: from Greek words meaning “victory” and “people.”.

Nicholas I

noun
1.
Saint ("Nicholas the Great") died a.d. 867, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 858–867.
2.
1796–1855, czar of Russia 1825–55.

Nicholas II

noun
1.
(Gérard de Bourgogne) died 1061, pope 1058–61.
2.
1868–1918, czar of Russia 1894–1917: executed 1918.

Nicholas III

noun
1.
(Giovanni Gaetani Orsini) died 1280, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 1277–80.

Nicholas IV

noun
1.
(Girolamo Masci) died 1292, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 1288–92.

Nicholas V

noun
1.
(Thomas Parentucelli) 1397?–1455, Italian ecclesiastic: pope 1447–55.
British Dictionary definitions for Nicholas

Nicholas

/ˈnɪkələs/
noun
1.
Saint. 4th-century ad bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor; patron saint of Russia and of children, sailors, merchants, and pawnbrokers. Feast day: Dec 6 See also Santa Claus

Nicholas I

noun
1.
Saint, called the Great. died 867 ad, Italian ecclesiastic; pope (858–867). He championed papal supremacy. Feast day: Nov 13
2.
1796–1855, tsar of Russia (1825–55). He gained notoriety for his autocracy and his emphasis on military discipline and bureaucracy

Nicholas II

noun
1.
1868–1918, tsar of Russia (1894–1917). After the disastrous Russo-Japanese War (1904–05), he was forced to summon a representative assembly, but his continued autocracy and incompetence precipitated the Russian Revolution (1917): he abdicated and was shot

Nicholas V

noun
1.
original name Tommaso Parentucelli. 1397–1455, Italian ecclesiastic; pope (1447–55). He helped to found the Vatican Library
Word Origin and History for Nicholas

masc. proper name, from French Nicolas, from Latin Nicholaus, Nicolaus, from Greek Nikholaos, literally "victory-people," from nike "victory" (see Nike) + laos "people" (see lay (adj.)). The saint (obit. 326 C.E.) was a bishop of Myra in Lycia, patron of scholars, especially schoolboys. A popular given name in England in Middle Ages, as was the fem. form Nicolaa, corresponding to French Nicole. Colloquial Old Nick "the devil" is attested from 1640s, evidently from the proper name, but for no certain reason.

Encyclopedia Article for Nicholas

Nicholas III

Eastern Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople (1084-1111), theologian and liturgical scholar noted for combatting doctrinal heresy and composing sacramental prayer texts for the Byzantine liturgy. Among Nicholas' liturgical compositions are prayers and responses in the service rituals for baptism, marriage, confession, fasting, and communion

Learn more about Nicholas III with a free trial on Britannica.com