church-ale en · NOUN
Etymology
From Middle English cherche ale.
Meanings
-
(countable, historical, uncountable) A church or parish festival (as in commemoration of the dedication of a church), at which much ale was drunk.
If many be at an Alehouse , a Christmaſſe dinner, or Churchale, and ( without any intention of an Affray) they ſodainly fall together by the eares[…]
1683, John Keble, An Assistance to Justices of the Peace […] :
- (countable, uncountable) The strong ale brewed for this purpose.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| church ale | alternative | lexicographic | |
| churchale | alternative | lexicographic | |
| church-ales | Number=Plur | lexicographic |