Definitions for "Ash Wednesday"
The first day of Lent; -- so called from a custom in the Roman Catholic church of putting ashes, on that day, upon the foreheads of penitents.
First day of Lent. Ashes, symbolizing cleansing and repentance may be applied in the form of a cross to the foreheads of the worshippers.
A day in the Church Year intended to let people meditate on their sinfulness. Ashes are sometimes applied to the foreheads of worshippers as a sign of humility. It is also the first day of the season of Lent.