callithump
or cal·la·thump
[ kal-uh-thuhmp ]
nounChiefly Northeastern U.S.
a shivaree.
Midwestern U.S.Also called callithump parade . a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
Origin of callithump
11855–60, Americanism; compare earlier callithumpian band assembly of noisemakers on New Year's Eve, British dialect gallithumpians disturbers of order at Parliamentary elections, probably equivalent to dial. gally to frighten (as in gallicrow scarecrow; akin to Old English agælwan to scare) + thump + -ian
Other words from callithump
- cal·li·thump·i·an [kal-uh-thuhm-pee-uhn], /ˌkæl əˈθʌm pi ən/, adjective, noun
Words Nearby callithump
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use callithump in a sentence
I became acquainted with callithump when I straightened out the asparagus-bed.
Dwellers in Arcady | Albert Bigelow PaineI have the greatest respect for honorable toil, but even more for callithump.
Dwellers in Arcady | Albert Bigelow PaineYou probably don't know what callithump is, but you will find out if you undertake to hoe sod-ground potatoes in July.
Dwellers in Arcady | Albert Bigelow PaineBy the time I had pulled half-way down one row I could feel the callithump working.
Dwellers in Arcady | Albert Bigelow Paine
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