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charivari
[< Cdn F < F]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
n.
See 1791 quote.
See: shivaree ((n.))
Quotations
1786
Friend, hast thou hear'd a strong North-easter roar,/ Or the harsh discord of Charivari, or Cat's wild scream ere them to love agree?
1791
Sometimes I distinguish myself at a charivari, which is a custom that prevails in different parts of Canada, of assembling with old pots, kettles, &c. and beating them at the doors of new married people; but generally, either when the man is older than the woman, or the parties have been twice married: in those cases they beat a charivari, hallooing out very vociferously, until the man is obliged to obtain their silence by a pecuniary contribution, or submit to be abused with the vilest language.
1852
The charivari is a custom that the Canadians got from the French, in the Lower Province, and a queer custom it is.
1958
. . . for the following year town council passed a bylaw prohibiting charivaries--"serenading of rough music made with kettles, pans and teatrays."