Pl. agapæ, -ai, rarely agapes. [Gr. ἀγάπη brotherly love.] A ‘love-feast’ held by the early Christians in connection with the Lord’s Supper.
1696. in Phillips.
1727. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., In the primitive days the Agapes were held without scandal or offence.
1837. W. & M. Howitt, Rur. Life (1862), VI. v. 449. The Agapai, or love-feasts of the early Christians.
1850. Mrs. Jameson, Sacr. & Leg. Art, 156. Agapæ or love-feasts.
