Ban"quet (?), n. [F., a feast, prop. a dim. of banc bench; cf. It. banchetto, dim. of banco a bench, counter. See Bank a bench, and cf. Banquette.]
1.
A feast; a sumptuous entertainment of eating and drinking; often, a complimentary or ceremonious feast, followed by speeches.
2.
A dessert; a course of sweetmeats; a sweetmeat or sweetmeats.
[Obs.]
We'll dine in the great room, but let the music
And banquet be prepared here.
Massinger.
© Webster 1913.
Ban"quet, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Banqueted; p. pr. & vb. n. Banqueting.]
To treat with a banquet or sumptuous entertainment of food; to feast.
Just in time to banquet
The illustrious company assembled there.
Coleridge.
© Webster 1913.
Ban"quet, v.i.
1.
To regale one's self with good eating and drinking; to feast.
Were it a draught for Juno when she banquets,
I would not taste thy treasonous offer.
Milton.
2.
To partake of a dessert after a feast.
[Obs.]
Where they did both sup and banquet.
Cavendish.
© Webster 1913.