callithump

Or cal·la·thump

[kal-uh-thuhmp]

noun

Chiefly Northeastern U.S.

1. a shivaree.

2. Also called callithump parade. Midwestern U.S.,  a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.

Other Word Forms

• callithumpian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of callithump¹

1855–60, compare earlier callithumpian band assembly of noisemakers on New Year's Eve, British dialect gallithumpians disturbers of order at Parliamentary elections, probably equivalent to dial. gally to frighten (as in gallicrow scarecrow; akin to Old English agælwan to scare) + thump + -ian

Example Sentences

“Our clothes,” he said, “got somewhat fusty in the rebels' little New Year's callithump. They're rowdy boys, and I reckon they knocked down a candle during their celebrations.”

Read more on Literature

I have the greatest respect for honorable toil, but even more for callithump.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

I became acquainted with callithump when I straightened out the asparagus-bed.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

By the time I had pulled half-way down one row I could feel the callithump working.

Read more on Project Gutenberg