1. Eccl. Antiq. Used as a rendering of Gr. ἀγάπη, Eccl. Latin AGAPE. Among the early Christians, a meal partaken of, in token of brotherly love, by the members of the church; app. originally in connection with the eucharistic celebration.
1580. Hollyband, Treas. Fr. Tong, Agape, a loue, banquet [? read loue banquet], or feaste that was vsed in the Primitiue Churche.
1610. T. Godwin, Moses & Aaron, I. 20. Their Love-feasts,… now antiquated thorowout Christendome.
1737. Waterland, Eucharist, 29. In the Apostolical Times, the Love-Feast and the Eucharist, tho’ distinct, went together.
1881. N. T. (R. V.), 2 Pet. ii. 13. Revelling in their love-feasts while they feast with you.
1902. Expositor, Aug., 126. In 2 Peter the feasts are Christian love-feasts.
2. Among Methodists, and some other modern sects, a religious service held at intervals in imitation of the Agape of the early church.
Its special features are the partaking of a simple meal (usually only of bread and water), and the relation of religious experiences by various members of the congregation.
1738. Wesley, Wks. (1872), I. 93. That on the Sunday seven-night following be a general love-feast. Ibid. (1761), Jrnl., 19 July. The very design of a Love-feast is a free and familiar conversation.
1807–8. W. Irving, Salmag. (1824), 144. She … was frequent in her attendance at love-feasts.
3. Transferred to other gatherings.
1893. Nation (N. Y.), 19 Jan., 44/1. On the evening of inauguration day the Populists held a ‘love-feast.’
Hence Love-feaster, one who participates in a love-feast.
1749–51. Lavington, Enthus. Meth. & Papists (1820), 298. She was the mother of the Agapetae, or love-feasters.
