[F. souvenir memory, keepsake, subst. use of the inf. souvenir:—L. subvenīre to come into the mind.]
1. A remembrance, a memory.
1775. H. Walpole, Lett. (1857), VI. 284. You have always been so good to me, Madam, and I am so grateful that if my souvenirs were marked with cups, there would be many more than mile-stones from hence to Ampthill.
1777. C’tess Upper Ossory, in Jesse, Selwyn & Contemp. . (1844), III. 188. These are the words of our friend the Quaker, and the substantial proofs of this souvenir you will soon receive.
b. A slight trace of something. rare–1.
a. 1845. [T. Hood], in Harper’s Mag. (1883), Nov., 971/1. I would recommend this lavender Ducape, with only just a souvenir of sorrow in it.
2. A token of remembrance; something (usually a small article of some value bestowed as a gift) that reminds one of some person, place or event; a keepsake.
1782. J. Douglas, Trav. Anecd. (1786), 41. The youngest of the two girls came to the door, and asked if she was certain, that the little souvenir she gave her was safe in her pocket.
1803. Mar. Edgeworth, E. de Coulanges (1832), 217. She intended to offer souvenirs to her English friends.
1838. Stephen, Trav. Russia, 75/1. He gave me his last painting … as a souvenir for his sister.
1885. R. Buchanan, Annan Water, xxiii. She saw the gentle old pastor counting his souvenirs within.
b. As the title of a work intended as a gift-book, spec. of an illustrated annual publication (see first quot.).
1825. (title) The Literary Souvenir; or, Cabinet of Poetry and Romance.
1835. Hood, Poetry, Prose, & Worse, xxxvii. How sweet if the bill … But enrich’d, as a copy of verses, The Gem, or a new Souvenir! Ibid. (1840), Kilmansegg, Educ., x. Her ‘Early Lessons’ of every sort, Looked like Souvenirs.
3. attrib., as souvenir card, spoon.
1893. Outing, XXII. 160. When the souvenir spoon became a fad, As a gift to be highly prized.
1900. Daily News, 15 Nov., 5/2. The presentation of a silver trophy to each corps and of a souvenir card to each Volunteer.
