a. [ad. L. convīviāl-is pertaining to a feast, f. convīvi-um feast; cf. mod.F. convivial. (The commoner word in L. was convīvālis: see CONVIVAL.)]
1. Of or belonging to a feast or banquet; characterized by feasting or jovial companionship; such as befits a feast, festive.
a. 1668. Denham, Old Age, III. (R.). Which feasts convivial meetings we did name.
a. 1682. Sir T. Browne, Wks. (1851), III. 205. In their convivial garlands they had respect unto plants preventing drunkenness.
1752. Johnson, Rambler, No. 206, ¶ 4. To shorten the way to convivial happiness, by eating without cost.
a. 1770. Akenside, Odes, I. xiii. (R.). Kind laughter and convivial joy.
1875. Jowett, Plato (ed. 2), V. 19. The idea … that the characters of men are best seen in convivial intercourse.
1881. Besant & Rice, Chapl. Fleet, I. 284. Those convivial evenings … will still continue.
2. Fond of feasting and good company, disposed to enjoy festive society; festive, jovial.
& 17[?]. Dr. Newton (L.). Your social and convivial spirit is such that it is a happiness to live and converse with you.
1784. Cowper, Task, IV. 595. The plump convivial parson.
1847. Grote, Greece, IV. II. xlvi. 108. A man of convivial and amorous habits.
1849. Dickens, Dav. Copp., 159. Mr. Micawber was uncommonly convivial.
