Usage Note
Pendaison derives from pendre (to hang) and denotes execution by hanging. The phrase pendaison de crémaillère ('hanging the pot-hook') is the common French term for a housewarming party — a cheerful idiom that startles English speakers. Related: pendu (hanged person, also the word for the Hangman game).
Examples
"La pendaison de crémaillère a lieu ce soir."
Natural Translation
The housewarming party takes place tonight.
Literal Translation
The hanging of the pot-hook takes place tonight.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
