The Witches’ Sabbath or Sabbat is a supposed meeting of those who practise witchcraft, and other rites.
European records indicate cases of persons being accused or tried for taking part in Sabbat gatherings, from the Middle Ages to the 17th century or later.
The English word “sabbat” came indirectly from Hebrew (שַׁבָּת). In Hebrew it means “to cease” or “to rest”. In Judaism Shabbat is the rest day celebrated on Saturday. Because in Europe in the Middle Ages and onward Jews were considered to worship the Devil, satanic gatherings of witches were called “sabbats” or “synagogues”. The latter is a Jewish places of worship, much like a church.