Festing

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The act or process of gathering for a communal meal or celebration ; the occurrence of a feast or banquet event ; engaging in a festivity marked by shared food and merriment
2. Participating in a social occasion centered around food and drink ; organizing or attending a feast where many people partake ; experiencing a festive meal as part of a larger celebration
3. Involvement in a communal dining event often tied to cultural or religious traditions ; holding or joining a feast to celebrate a special occasion ; enjoying a gathering characterized by abundant food and joyous atmosphere

Etymology: "Festing" is the present participle and gerund of the verb "fest," which means to feast or to hold a festive celebration. The verb has an older sibling in "feast," and the two are doublets: both descend from the Latin "festum," a feast day or holiday, related to the adjective "festus," meaning joyful or festive. They took different routes into English. "Feast" came through Old French "feste," which Middle English speakers adopted for banquets and holy days. "Fest" came later from German "Fest," which also meant a festival, so the same Latin root reached English twice, once through French and once through German. "Festing" follows the verb's pattern, applying the -ing ending to describe the act of feasting or the gathering itself.

Synonyms: feasting, banqueting, celebrating

Antonyms: fasting, abstaining