int. and sb. [a. L. vīvat, lit. ‘may he (or she) live,’ 3rd pers. sing. pres. subj. of vīvĕre to live; perh. partly a. F. vivat, of the same origin. Cf. VIVA sb.1]
A. int. A word of acclamation wishing a person (long) life and prosperity, or expressing applause or approval.
The L. phrases vivat regina, vivat rex have had some currency in English books.
1663. Cowley, Cutter Coleman-St., II. viii. Joll. Here’s a Health to the Royal Travailer…. Wor. Come on Boys, Vivat; have at you agen then.
1852. C. Barter, Dorp & Veld, xiii. 193. He [Dingaan] was succeeded by Panda, the present king [of the Zulus], of whom we have every reason to say ‘vivat.’
B. sb. An utterance of this word by way of acclamation or applause.
1821. Scott, Kenilw., xxxii. These donations were accepted with the usual clamour and vivats of applause common on such occasions. Ibid. (1823), Quentin D., xix. The multitude … greeted Meinheer Pavillon with a loud vivat, as he ushered in his distinguished guest.
1840. Thackeray, Paris Sk.-bk. (1872), 31. The king was received with shouts and loyal vivats.
1895. Meredith, Amazing Marriage, xxxiv. Followed by the vivats of the whole Principality.
