charivari

noun

cha·​ri·​va·​ri ˌshi-və-ˈrē How to pronounce charivari (audio)
ˈshi-və-ˌrē

Word History

Etymology

French, perhaps from Late Latin caribaria headache, from Greek karēbaria, from kara, karē head + barys heavy — more at cerebral, grieve

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of charivari was circa 1681

Dictionary Entries Near charivari

Cite this Entry

“Charivari.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charivari. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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