monster meeting

English

Noun

monster meeting (plural monster meetings)

1. (UK, Ireland, archaic or historical) A mass public demonstration, especially one of those held in Ireland in 1843–45 demanding the repeal of the union with Great Britain.
   • 1896, “The Repeal Movement”, in Richard Barry O’Brien, editor, Ireland, page 310:

     Monster meetings were held throughout the country, at which O’Connell addressed vast multitudes, stimulating exertion, inspiring enthusiasm, kindling hope.

   • 1921, Seumas MacManus, The Story of the Irish Race: A Popular History of Ireland, page 580:

     The Monster meetings were signally characterised by an utter absence of both drink and disorder.

   • 1966, Owen Chadwick, The Victorian Church, volume 1, page 350:

     They summoned for 10 April 1848 a monster meeting which should march from Kennington Common to the House of Commons and present a petition said to contain five million signatures.