Bacchantic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to a spirited and uninhibited celebration often involving copious amounts of alcohol and joyous abandon
2. Describing an atmosphere of wild festivities characterized by extravagant indulgence and a carefree spirit associated with wine
3. Characterizing a festive celebration imbued with exuberance, unrestrained revelry, and indulgent experiences often linked to the consumption of wine

Etymology: Bacchantic descends from "Bacchus," the Latin name of the Greek wine god Dionysus, whose festivals were famous for music, dancing and drunken abandon. The Romans called his female followers "Bacchantes," and the Latin "Bacchanalia" gave English the word "bacchanal," a name for a riotous revel. From that noun came the adjective "bacchantic," which describes the same kind of frenzied, wine-soaked celebration. The suffix "-ic," borrowed from Greek through Latin, turns the noun into an adjective meaning "of or like" the thing named. So a bacchantic gathering is one that resembles a Bacchanalia, with the wild spirit the Roman festivals were known for.