Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A tea at which flesh-meat is furnished; a high tea (which see, under high).

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Before the family grew up, they used to dine early, at half-past one, and had a meat-tea at half-past six.

    Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19, 1884. A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside Various

  • When he sat on till the arrival of the unappetizing meal they called a meat-tea, Bluebell did not wince at her mother inviting him to join it, simply because his opinion was a matter of indifference to her, though she carelessly recommended him not to be late for mess.

    Bluebell A Novel Mrs. George Croft Huddleston

  • It will be like having a meat-tea, or reading an English novel.

    The Picture of Dorian Gray 1931

  • - We went to Sutton after dinner to have meat-tea with Mr. and Mrs. James.

    The Diary of a Nobody Grossmith, George, 1847-1912 1921

  • I ventured to ask him to come home to meat-tea, and take pot-luck.

    The Diary of a Nobody Grossmith, George, 1847-1912 1921

  • Lord Arthur laid down L4, 2s. 6d. on the table, thanked the little German for his kindness, and, having succeeded in declining an invitation to meet some Anarchists at a meat-tea on the following Saturday, left the house and went off to the park.

    Lord Arthur Savile's Crime 1909

  • Both these gentlemen were resolute and inflexible of face; they looked as if they had determined on some great deed that should move the world to wild applause; but, truth to tell, they had only just finished a highly satisfactory "meat-tea," and before this grave silence had fallen upon them, they had been discussing the advisability of broiled steak and onions for supper.

    Stories by English Authors: London (Selected by Scribners) Israel Zangwill 1895

  • It will be like having a meat-tea, or reading an English novel.

    The Picture of Dorian Gray 1890

  • With them, however, it is more usual to drink beer with their mid-day meal, and to have meat-tea in the evening.

    Town Life in Australia Richard Ernest Nowell Twopeny 1886

  • What wonder, then, if she gives up late dinner and has a meat-tea, at which everything can be put on the table at once.

    Town Life in Australia Richard Ernest Nowell Twopeny 1886

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