love feast en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
From love + feast, partial calque of Latin agape and Koine Greek ἀγάπη (agápē).
Meanings
- (historical) A symbolic communal meal held by early Christians in commemoration of the eucharist.
-
A religious service held by Moravians, Methodists and some other group, in imitation of such gatherings, characterised by partaking in a simple meal.
He then invited me to a love-feast at his chapel that evening.
1789, Olaudah Equiano, chapter 10, in The Interesting Narrative, volume I:
- (Canada, US, figuratively) Any banquet or gathering to promote goodwill among the participants.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| love feasts | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
Translations (3)
de Liebesmahl (symbolic communal meal — see also agape) · de Liebesmahl (banquet to promote goodwill) · sv kärleksmåltid (symbolic communal meal — see also agape)