loving cup

American  

noun

1. a large cup, as of silver, usually with two or more handles, given as a prize, award, token of esteem or affection, etc.

2. a wine cup, usually of large size with several handles, passed from one person to another, as at a farewell gathering.

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loving cup British  

noun

1. a large vessel, usually two-handled, out of which people drink in turn at a banquet

2. a similar cup awarded to the winner of a competition

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Etymology

Origin of loving cup

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

loving cup

Then, at the freemen's dinner at Llantrisant Rugby Club, the "loving cup" was passed round.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

One assumes this proceeded in a hierarchical fashion, since the man sipping from the dregs at the bottom of the loving cup likely was the guy who also had to carry everyone’s furs.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 9, 2022

Moss won after his name was drawn from a silver loving cup, according to a 1971 Washington Post story.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 21, 2017

Also, the green jacket is a more tactile prize than the largest silver loving cup.

From Golf Digest ● Mar. 25, 2017

“I saw possibilities in him,” she said coolly, showing off her loving cup to the crowds.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck