philopena

American  

[fil-uh-pee-nuh] / ˌfɪl əˈpi nə /

noun

1. a custom, presumably of German origin, in which two persons share the kernels of a nut and determine that one shall receive a forfeit from the other at a later time upon the saying of a certain word or the performance of a certain action.

2. the thing shared.

3. the forfeit paid.

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Etymology

Origin of philopena

1830–40, earlier philippina < Dutch philippine < German Vielliebchen, diminutive of viellieb very dear; in earlier form viellieb was taken as proper name Philippe Philip and -chen was made into feminine suffix -ina, giving a woman's name; in later form the word was Anglicized along pseudo-classical lines ( cf. philo-, penal)

Example Sentences

Should he fail to do this he must pay the philopena or forfeit.

From Literary Lapses by Leacock, Stephen

On her left hand she wore the wedding circlet, with her engagement-ring and the philopena guard over it.

From Horace Chase by Woolson, Constance Fenimore

Any player who escapes paying the philopena scores one.

From Literary Lapses by Leacock, Stephen

I wish to thank him for my philopena, which came late last night.

From Horace Chase by Woolson, Constance Fenimore

Any player who scores in this manner is entitled to remain seated while he may count six, after which he must remove himself or pay philopena No. 2.

From Literary Lapses by Leacock, Stephen