in Antiquity, a name given to seven days before and as many after the winter solstice; because at this season the halcyon, invited by the calmness of the weather, laid its eggs in nests built close by the brink of the sea; and hence the phrase halcyon days is expressive of times of peace and tranquillity.

"At late they love: their nuptial faiths they show. Now little birds ingender, parents grow: Seven winter days with peaceful calm ensues, Alcyon sits upon her floating nest."—Sandy's Ovid. Met. b. xi.