Meanings
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1
verb
to baptize someone in a Christian ceremony and formally give them a name
The family will christen the baby at the village church next Sunday.
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2
verb
to give a person or thing a name, title, or nickname
The crew christened the new research vessel Aurora.
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3
verb
informal: to use something for the first time
She decided to christen her new boots on a long coastal walk.
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Etymology
From Middle English cristenen and Old English cristnian 'to make Christian or baptize', based on cristen 'Christian'. The later senses of giving a name or inaugurating something developed from the naming associated with baptism.