subs. phr. (old Scots).See quot. 1897.
1822. SCOTT, The Fortunes of Nigel, xxvii. Well have a to pay a sort of PENNY-WEDDING it will prove, where all men contribute to the young folks maintenance.
1897. BREWER, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, s.v. PENNY-WEDDING. Wedding banquets in Scotland, to which a number of persons were invited, each of whom paid a small sum of money not exceeding a shilling. After defraying the expenses of the feast, the residue went to the newly-married pair, to aid in furnishing their house. Abolished in 1645.