val·en·tine\'va-len-,tin\n(15c)
1. : a sweetheart chosen or complimented on St. Valentine's Day
2.
a. : a gift or greeting sent or given esp. to a sweetheart on St. Valentine's Day; esp : a greeting card sent on this day
b. : something (as a movie or piece of writing) expressing uncritical praise or affection :
Saint Val·en·tine's Day\-'va-len-,tinz-\n[St. Valentine ?ab270 Ital. priest](14c) : February 14 observed in honor of St. Valentine and as a time for sending valentines.
SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY, a holiday honoring lovers. It is celebrated February 14 by the custom of sending greeting cards or gifts to express affection. The cards, known as valentines, are often designed with hearts to symbolize love. The holiday probably derives from the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalis (February 15). The festival gradually became associated with the feast day (February 14) of two Roman martyrs, both named St. Valentine, who lived in the 3d century. St. Valentine has traditionally been regarded as the patron saint of lovers.
Above references from: Infopedia CD