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

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

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

Nearby stood Mary Alice in her ball gown, bowing to the crowd and holding up the loving cup for first prize in the talent show.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck