Definition of: Nicholas

(nik′ə·ləs)
A masculine personal name. Also Lat. Νi·co·la·us (nik′ō·lā′əs), Fr. Ni·co·las (nē·kō·lä′), Ital. Nic·co·lò (nēk′kō·lô′), Pg. Ni·co·lá·o (nē′kō·lä′), Sp. Ni·co·lás (nē′kō·läs′), Ger. Ni·ko·laus (nē′kō·lous), Russian Ni·co·lai (nē′kō·lī′). [<Gk., victory of the people]
—Nicholas, Saint
Fourth century prelate, bishop of Myra; patron saint of Russia, seamen, and children. In Dutch nursery lore, the Santa Claus who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve. See SANTA CLAUS.
—Nicholas I,
1796–1855, czar of Russia 1825–55.
—Nicholas II,
1868–1918, czar of Russia 1894–1917; executed.
—Nicholas V,
1397–1455, real name Tommaso Parentucelli, pope 1447–55.
—Nicholas of Cusa,
1401–64, German prelate and scholar.