rechristenv.
/ˌriːˈkrɪsn/, U.S. /riˈkrɪsn/ transitive. To christen again; to rename.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > give a name to [verb (transitive)] > rename
rechristen1550
rename1579
rebaptize1596
new-name1605
trans-style1611
transnominate1623
redip1633
anabaptize1636
reidentify1902
1550 R. Hutchinson Image of God f. 91 For Paul denieth, that he whiche is baptised, can be rechrystened.
1795 E. Burke Let. (1969) VIII. 143 Rebaptism you won't allow—but truly, it would not be amiss for the Christian world to be Re-christened.
1796 C. Lamb Let. 9 June in Lett. C & M. A. Lamb (1975) I. 20 Now it is re-christend from a Sonnet to an Effusion.
1822 T. L. Peacock Maid Marian viii. 119 He was rechristened without a priest.
1861 J. G. Sheppard Fall of Rome vi. 334 It was deemed advisable to re-christen the district with the old imperial name.
1927 Amer. Mercury Nov. 377 The familiar device of taking an old-fashioned melodrama and giving it an air of importance by rechristening the leading characters.
1965 J. T. Flexner George Washington ii. 18 Lawrence got among other bequests Epsewasson, which he was to rechristen Mount Vernon after his beloved admiral.
2007 Independent (Nexis) 7 Nov. 38 French fries in the cafeterias of Capitol Hill were rechristened ‘freedom fries’.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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