caudle
9.9
A social gathering after a birth where guests bring a warm spiced drink
- noun
- /ˈkɔːdəl/
- Archaic
:
caudle
- She described the caudle as a warm and comforting event for new mothers.
Examples
-
After the birth of her son, neighbors gathered for a caudle to offer their congratulations.
-
They hosted a delightful caudle for the new mother.
-
The tradition of holding a caudle has faded in most modern communities.
-
At the caudle, friends gathered to celebrate the birth.
-
After the birth of her son, neighbors gathered for a caudle to offer their congratulations.
-
They hosted a delightful caudle for the new mother.
-
At the caudle, friends gathered to celebrate the birth.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Caudle was also the name for a small visit or party after a birth where people shared the warm drink, because the word comes from Latin calidus meaning 'warm'. That's why a caudle can mean both the comforting drink and the gathering around it.
