carousal

American  

[kuh-rou-zuhl] / kəˈraʊ zəl /

noun

1. a noisy or drunken feast or social gathering; revelry.

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carousal British  

/ kəˈraʊzəl /

noun

1. a merry drinking party

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Etymology

Origin of carousal

First recorded in 1755–65; carouse + -al ²

Explanation

The noun carousal describes a rowdy gathering that involves drinking too much alcohol. Carousal is said to be a popular pastime of some rock stars. Carousal stumbled into English by way of the French word carousser, meaning, "drink, quaff, swill," which in turn traces back to the German gar austrinken, meaning "to drink up entirely." As you might guess, the word carousal involves drinking — lots of it. A verb form, carouse, carries a related meaning — people carouse at a carousal. In other words, they drink a lot at the booze party.

Example Sentences

This magnificent tournament gave the name of "The Carousal" to the space where it was held, between the Louvre and the Tuileries.

From Louis XIV. Makers of History Series by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)

We saw the grand Review the day before yesterday from a window that looked out on the court of the Louvre and Place de Carousal.

From The Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 1 by Hare, Augustus J. C.

Perhaps in red Vesuvius Carousal they maintain; And cheer their little spirits thus Till green leaves come again.

From Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) Folk-Lore, Fables, And Fairy Tales by Baltzell, W. J. (Winton James)