stirrup-cup
Definition
Noun - A cup of wine or other alcoholic drink offered to a rider about to depart on a journey, especially in the past. - By extension, the drink itself that is taken as a farewell gesture.
Usage Examples
- (A farewell drink given to someone who is leaving.)
- (The act of toasting a departure.)
Advanced Usage
"to take a stirrup-cup": to have a farewell drink before leaving.
- The tradition of taking a stirrup-cup was common among hunters and travelers. (The custom of drinking a final toast before departure.)
"stirrup-cup" as a metaphor: occasionally used figuratively for any final parting gesture.
- The farewell party served as a stirrup-cup for the retiring employee. (A symbolic final send-off.)
Variants and Related Words
- Stirrup (n): a footrest for a rider, attached to a saddle.
- He placed his foot in the stirrup to mount the horse. (The metal or leather loop used for mounting.)
- Cup (n): a small open container for drinking.
- She drank her tea from a delicate porcelain cup. (A vessel for beverages.)
Synonyms
- Farewell drink: a beverage consumed to mark a departure.
- Parting cup: another term for a drink shared when someone leaves.
- Last call: the final opportunity to order a drink before closing (informal).
Related Idioms
- One for the road: a final drink before leaving.
- They stopped at the pub for one for the road. (A last drink before departing.)
- Raise a glass to: to toast someone or something.
- Let's raise a glass to our departing friend. (To honor someone with a drink.)