chirping cup

English

Etymology

See chirp (“to cheer”).

Noun

chirping cup (plural chirping cups)

1. (obsolete) An alcoholic drink taken by way of merrymaking.

   Synonym: cup that cheers

   • 1710, Richard Steele, Joseph Addison, “The Lucubrations of Isaac Bickerstaff Esq”, in The Tatler‎^[1], volume 5, number 12, London: John Nutt, published 1712, page 62:

     I have already been invited to Two Christenings, and several Junketings, which I hope will be no Reflection upon my Character, having heard, that you your self, Sir, will take a chirping Cup upon Occasion.