[prob. orig. with jocular reference to All Saints, All Souls.] A humorous name for the 1st of April; the day popularly appropriated to practising upon one’s neighbor’s credulity. (Only of modern use.)
1712. Swift, quoted in Hone, Ev. Day Bk. (1826), I. 205. ‘A due donation for All Fool’s Day.’
1760. Poor Robin’s Alm., in Brand, Pop. Ant. The first of April some do say Is set apart for All-Fools Day.
1777. Brand, Pop. Ant., 398. All-Fools’ Day, a corruption it should seem of Auld i. e. Old Fools’ Day.
1823. Lamb, Elia (1868), 65. All Fools’ Day. The compliments of the season to my worthy masters.
