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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Bid-ale

An invitation of friends to assemble at the house of a poor man to drink ale, and thus to raise alms for his relief.

“The ordinary amusements in country parishes (in 1632) were church-ales. clerk-ales, and bid-ales, . . . consisting of drinking and sports, particularly dancing.” —T. V. Short, D. D.: History of the Church of England, p. 392.

“Denham, in 1634, issued an order in the western circuit to put an end to the disorders attending church-ales, bid-ales, clerk-ales, and the like.” —Howitt: History of England (Charles I., chap. iii. p. 159).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Bidding Beads
Bid
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More on Bid-ale from Infoplease:

  • Bid-ale - Bid-ale An invitation of friends to assemble at the house of a poor man to drink ale, and thus to ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: B - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "B"

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