(4th century), Christian prelate. Said to have been bishop of Myra in Lycia, he is the patron saint of children, sailors, Greece, and Russia. The cult of Santa Claus (a corruption of his name) comes from the Dutch custom of giving gifts to children on his feast day. Feast day December 6.
Definition of Nicholas, St. in US English:
Nicholas, St.
proper noun
(4th century), Christian prelate. Said to have been bishop of Myra in Lycia, he is the patron saint of children, sailors, Greece, and Russia. The cult of Santa Claus (a corruption of his name) comes from the Dutch custom of giving gifts to children on his feast day. Feast day December 6.