Junketings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A social or festive outing, often involving food and entertainment, typically organized for a group
2. An excursion for enjoyment or pleasure, especially one that is lavishly catered or funded
3. A celebratory gathering or trip, often marked by indulgence and leisure, often sponsored by an institution or company

Etymology: "Junketings" is the plural of "junketing," a noun formed from the verb "junket." That verb comes from the Middle English "jonket," a sweet curd or cream dessert, which in turn descends from the Old French "jonquette," a rush basket, the kind used to shape soft cheese. The image of a dish made from curds gave way over time to the sense of a festive meal, and then to the idea of merrymaking itself. The shift from dessert to revelry happened within the word's own family. "Junket" came to mean a feast or banquet, and from there a pleasure outing, often at someone else's expense. That is why the word now suggests a trip or gathering paid for by an organisation, where the leisure is part of the point.

Synonyms: excursions, jaunts, trips, outings, tours