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.

---

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

---

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

From the estate of an aunt, I somehow came into possession of a tall, silver loving cup trophy that has inscribed on it “Washington Post, Floral-Flag Parade, Arthur C. Moses, July 5, 1909.”

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

For the third time the loving cup went round.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley