rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybanquetFormal feast
noun / verb

banquet

BANG-kwit/ˈbæŋkwɪt/

A large formal meal for many people.

The guests share a formal banquet at a long table.

A large formal banquet with elegantly dressed adults around a long table laden with arranged dishes, clear shared ceremonial feast.
Etymology
banquOld Italianbench
+etOld Italiandiminutive

The pieces mean 'small bench.' The meal sense apparently began with a snack eaten on a bench; if so, a modest between-meals repast grew in meaning into a sumptuous formal feast.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers16:37
for this banquet in our honor
Family Theater - Robin Hood

More examples

  • They banqueted in the great hall.
  • The charity held an annual banquet.
  • A long table was prepared for the banquet.

Forms

banquet · banquets · banqueted · banqueting

Similar words

feast
A large abundant meal, not necessarily formal.
dinner
A main meal of any size.