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shivaree ((n.))
[< Cdn F < F charivari, q.v.]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Spelling variants:chivaree, chivari(e), etc.
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1n.
a noisy celebration to serenade a newly married couple. See also charivari and saluting.
Quotations
1827
The natives . and settled residents wed as becomes them, and at their weddings they have what is called Shirevees [sic], a parading kind of a show, with sleighs if in winter, or a two-wheeled sort of gig, if in summer.
1905
Girl given away by father . . . Shivaree big drunk for cowboys. Honeymoon trip to Banff.
1962
Rumour had it that our neighbours intended to give us a "Shivaree." This is a courtesy visit paid to newly married couples at night. It is a delightful old custom aimed at embarrassing the happy pair by catching them in bed.
2n. — Slang
any noisy affair or activity, as a final series in baseball, a hockey playoff, a gala celebration, etc.
Quotations
1963
The San Franciscans, in winning the Western shivaree, averaged 8,500 fans in the final seven games. . . .
1966
One of the highlights of this year's Squamish shivaree was the exhibition put on by . . . the Wickheim brothers from Sooke.