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

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

The grand prize was a solid silver loving cup nearly 16 inches tall and valued at $300.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2019

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

From Golf Digest • Mar. 25, 2017

The setting was Eddy’s Restaurant on West 48th Street, a favorite of NBC and Associated Press employees, who threw money into a loving cup throughout the year to finance the annual benefit.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2010

Charles and Marcela whirled off to the Turf Club Ball at the Ambassador Hotel Fiesta Room, where they laughed and celebrated and slurped champagne from a gigantic golden loving cup.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand