DCHP-3

time

DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
n. — Atlantic Canada, Social customs

a social gathering, typically including music and dance; often used in the expression to have a time.

Type: 2. Preservation — In Atlantic Canada, a time is a festive social gathering. Written sources suggest that there are two types of time - an informal social gathering with friends or family (COD-2, s.v. "time" (10)), or a more formal community event (COD-2, s.v. "time" (17)), generally involving dance and/or entertainment. These distinctions are also outlined in the 1982 quotation below. The term is used in the northeastern United States in addition to Newfoundland and the Maritimes (OED-3, s.v. "time" (7c)) and appears to be exclusive to North America. However, DARE does not list this meaning, which casts doubt on the North American dimension suggested by OED-3. Though citations date back to the late 1800s, the continued relevance of time for Newfoundland is reflected in the recent decision by Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism to publish a video explaining the term (see NL Tourism reference). The term appears to be a preservation of older use.
See also ITP Nelson, s.v. "time" (15), which is marked "Atlantic Canada", DNE, s.v. "time", DPEIE, s.v. "time", COD-2, s.v. "time" (10) and (17), which are marked "Cdn (Maritimes & Nfld) and "Cdn (Nfld.)", and OED-3, s.v. "time" (7c), which is marked "N. Amer. regional (chiefly New England and Newfoundland)".

Quotations

1878
HOWLEY MS Reminiscences 2 But ... while on a visit to Bett's Cove [he] got on a time and 'let the cat out of the bag.'
1890
They were all in high spirits when they rowed off about 8 1/2 o'clock, and their singing was heard by the people at the boat house. Nothing unpleasant occurred until the yawl had drifted past Bennett's wharf at Port Hamilton, when Priest said he wanted to go ashore. He was told by one of the party that there was no hurry in getting back, and that they would have a time on the water, and that they would return and land at Fort Hamilton in a short time.
1927
It was on the last Monday morning, / And the day being calm and fine, / For the Harbour Grace Excursion / With the boys to have a time.
1950
Are you going to the time tonight?
1963
Older Newfoundland songs are still sung at evening "times" (a square dance and church social). . . .
1974
Upon walking into the celebration center of the Liberal Leadership Convention, it was quite apparent that delegates were having a time. The drinks of beverage alcohol flowed freely in Pius Tenth gym on Saturday night.
1982
The term "time" had two chief meanings at Harbour Buffett. Usually, it referred to entertainment in the local halls, which always consisted of a dance, sometimes preceded by some other activity such as a card party, soup supper, or sale of women's work. The term was also sometimes used to refer to a gathering at a house, fish store, or in the forecastle of a schooner. The time was usually, but not always, characterized by dancing. Thus, times at Harbour Buffett may be divided into two major types -- the formal ("hall times") and the informal ("kitchen," "store", or "boat" times).
1997
If there is a relationship between drinking and employment, it may well be that those who are working full time do not have the same opportunity to go have a 'time' which might very well last well into the night and involve prodigious consumption of alcohol.
2003
The Tories sure did have a time Tuesday night. And in a twist on the title of the 1999 Liberal campaign song, it was heave away for the Grits.
2014
I would use "a time" to describe a really fun, happy social setting. In order to have a time, there are some necessary elements that need to be present, in my opinion. There needs to be music, there needs to be good people, there's definitely got to be laughing. [...] And some -- some dancing, some movement, some motion, some energy. With those four things, I think you're pretty well guaranteed to have a time.

References