beanfeast

American  

[been-feest] / ˈbinˌfist /

Also beanfest

noun

Chiefly British Slang.

1. (formerly) an annual dinner or party given by an employer for employees.

2. a celebration or festive occasion, especially when a meal is provided.

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beanfeast British  

/ ˈbiːnˌfiːst /

noun

1. an annual dinner given by employers to employees

2. any festive or merry occasion

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Etymology

Origin of beanfeast

First recorded in 1795–1805; bean + feast

Explanation

You might be surprised to learn that all kinds of food can be served at a beanfeast, which is a celebratory dinner party thrown by employers for their employees. The word beanfeast dates back to the 19th century in Britain, originating from festive gatherings hosted by employers for their workers. Traditionally, a piece of cake with a hidden bean would crown the "king" of the party. Today, it can refer to any special, celebratory dinner. For example, you might say, "The neighborhood block party was a true beanfeast, with barbecue, games, and music bringing everyone together."

Example Sentences

Britons, however, were not disturbed by the slackening of "the foreign invasion," liked to think of the Coronation as an exclusively British beanfeast.

From Time Magazine Archive

Jenny remembered how her mother had teased her father when she saw him supporting a banner of the Order of Foresters on the occasion of a beanfeast at Clacton.

From Carnival by MacKenzie, Compton

"It's more like a beanfeast than the exam.!" laughed Mary Payne, handing round a packet of chocolates.

From The Luckiest Girl in the School by Brazil, Angela

"Our annual holiday," "Stocktaking day," "Our annual beanfeast," "Closed for repairs."

From The Grandchildren of the Ghetto by Zangwill, Israel

Tossing is not the sort of pastime any fellow would choose for fun, not if he were the party to be tossed, though it is a beanfeast for the onlookers.

From Campaign Pictures of the War in South Africa (1899-1900) Letters from the Front by Hales, A. G. (Alfred Greenwood)