loving cup

English

Etymology

Named around 1810 for the sense of unity its use brought.

Noun

loving cup (plural loving cups)

1. A large cup with two or more handles, passed around for all to drink from; a ceremonial version of such a cup awarded as a trophy.
   • 1915 May, The Crisis, volume 10, number 1, whole number 55, 294:

     Each Branch of Local remitting not less than $50 and under $100 in memberships and subscriptions will receive a library valued at $5 and a loving cup.

   • 1909, The Loving Cup: original toasts by original folks, page 6:

     Good-fellowship is like a loving cup; it must be passed around to make it of value.

   • 1984, Winston Graham, The Loving Cup: a novel of Cornwall, 1813-1815, page 173:

     Harriet's aunt, Miss Darcy, had lost her father's signet ring, and a loving cup [...]

Further reading

• "loving cup," Encyclopædia Britannica Online, Article.
• "loving cup," Merriam-Webster Online, Article.