basket dinner

American  

noun

Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.

1. a group social gathering, as of church members, to which participants contribute casseroles or other dishes to share.

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Etymology

Origin of basket dinner

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

It may be found practicable to call a general meeting of the entire neighborhood, inviting old and young possibly to a basket dinner, and there to lay before them the plans of the organizations.

From Farm Boys and Girls by McKeever, William Arch

On different days we received a basket dinner, a watermelon feast and an ice cream and cake festival from them.

From History of Ambulance Company Number 139 by Various

One Sunday the church announced an all-day meeting and basket dinner in a grove near Peter's house.

From Around Old Bethany A Story of the Adventures of Robert and Mary Davis by Berry, Robert Lee

But seeing that little gal out there in the plains it was like hearing an old-fashioned hymn at the country meeting-house and knowing a big basket dinner was to follow.

From Lahoma by Ellis, J. Breckenridge (John Breckenridge)