loving-cup
Definition
- Noun:
- A ceremonial cup of wine: "loving-cup" refers to a large, often ornate cup or goblet filled with wine or another beverage, traditionally passed around a table among guests at a banquet or festive gathering, symbolizing friendship and goodwill. Each person drinks from it in turn before passing it to the next.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- At the wedding reception, the bride and groom shared a loving-cup with their guests. (They passed a ceremonial cup of wine around the table to signify unity and affection.)
- The ancient tradition of the loving-cup was revived at the annual feast. (The practice of passing a communal cup was brought back for the celebration.)
Advanced Usage
"to pass the loving-cup": to engage in the act of sharing a ceremonial cup of wine among a group.
- The host invited everyone to pass the loving-cup as a gesture of camaraderie. (The host encouraged the guests to share the cup to foster a sense of togetherness.)
"loving-cup" as a symbol: the term can be used metaphorically to represent mutual affection or shared joy in a group setting.
- The team's victory was a loving-cup of collective effort. (The win was a symbol of shared accomplishment and goodwill.)
Variants and Related Words
- Loving-cup (n): the exact term; no common variants, but related to cup (n), a small open container for drinking.
- The loving-cup was made of silver and engraved with flowers. (The ceremonial cup was crafted from precious metal.)
Synonyms
- Communal cup: a cup shared among a group.
- Wassail cup: a festive cup of spiced ale or wine, often passed around in medieval traditions.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms
"Drink from the same cup": to share a common experience or fate.
- They drank from the same cup of hardship during the war. (They endured similar difficulties together.)
"Cup of kindness": a gesture of goodwill or friendship.
- She offered a cup of kindness to her new neighbor. (She showed warmth and generosity.)