soiree n [phonetics unavailable]. Cp OED ~ sb 'an evening party' (1820-), swarry (1837-); EDD surree sb Sc Ir 'a social gathering; a subscription dance.' (a) A special social gathering at night sponsored by an organization or fraternal society; (b) a party, large gathering, or community social with singing, dancing and feasting. Cp SCOFF, TIME.
1851 Newfoundlander 6 Mar, p. 3 The Sons of Temperance gave their first soiree on Thursday evening
last. [1882] 1900 DEVINE & O'MARA 59 Sons of St Crispin held their first Soiree here, 1882. 1900 Daily News 19 Apr, p. 4 The Kelligrews Soiree. The S U F held a very enjoyable dance at their hall at Kelligrews on
Easter Monday night... 15 couples. A regular 'breakdown' time was held at Mr Joe Tilley's the same
night ... 35 couples. 'Old Uncle Abe' occupied a conspicuous place in the corner, and made fun for the
'youngsters.' It was amusing to see men of 60 and 70 years of age stepping it out in the old-fashioned reel.
Ibid p. 4 The British Society Soiree took place last night [tea, dancing, refreshments at 12, dancing till 4].
[c1904] 1960 BURKE (ed White) 23 "The Kelligrews Soiree": Boiled duff, cold duff, / Apple jam was in a
cuff, / I tell you boys, we had enough / At the Kelligrews Soiree. 1934 Public Bureau Christmas No 23 The
volume of city trade was very large in Christmas week, all were in good humour anticipating the great day and making their plans for Bonnet Hops. Soirees and the big Ball at Jocelyn's. T 175/6-65 The soirees and socials then at them times [would start] after dark; seemed that you couldn't start anything before after dark.
