carousal

Definition

The state of carousing; (drunken) revelry; (countable) an instance of this; a noisy social gathering, often with much alcohol consumption.

Etymology

From carouse (“to engage in a noisy or drunken social gathering”, verb) + -al (suffix forming nouns denoting actions by verbs to which it is attached), possibly also influenced by an erroneous understanding of the meaning of carousel (“merry-go-round”).

Example Sentences

• "—The ſun vvas ſet—they had done their vvork; the nymphs had tied up their hair afreſh—and the ſvvains vvere preparing for a carouſal— […]"
• "Drawing near, / Loud from the chambers of the bridge below, / Sounds of carousal came and song, / And unveiled women bade the advancing youth / Come merry-make with them."
• "He mingled with the Magnates of his land; / Join'd the carousals of the great and gay, […]"