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definitions

receiving line

noun
  1. a row formed by the hosts, guests of honor, or the like, for receiving guests formally at a ball, reception, etc.

Origin of receiving line

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for receiving line

Historical Examples of receiving line

  • I saw you talking to him; but you ought to have come earlier while there was a receiving-line ready for you.

    Otherwise Phyllis

    Meredith Nicholson