Definition

Noun: - A progressive whist party: A social event, typically organized as a tournament, where multiple tables of players participate in the card game whist. Players or partnerships usually rotate or "progress" to different tables after each round, following a set schedule or movement.

Usage

• The term is used specifically to describe the organized event format, not a single game of whist.
• It refers to the social gathering structure itself.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The concept is similar to a "duplicate bridge" session or other progressive card game tournaments where the goal is to compare scores across different tables playing the same deals.
• "To hold/organize a whist drive": To arrange such an event.
  • The club committee voted to organize a whist drive for the annual charity.

Variants and Related Words

• Whist (n): The classic trick-taking card game for four players in two partnerships, from which the "whist drive" event is derived.
• Drive (n): In this compound, it signifies an organized, energetic, or concerted effort or event, similar to its use in "cake drive" or "blood drive."

Synonyms

• Whist tournament: A competitive series of whist games, though "tournament" may imply a stronger competitive element than the social "drive."
• Progressive whist party: A more descriptive synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• This is a compound noun with a specific, fixed meaning related to the social organization of the card game whist. The word "drive" here does not relate to operating a vehicle or a forceful effort, but to a coordinated activity.

Noun

1. a progressive whist party