[Variously explained by the appearance of beans, or of a bean-goose, as a prominent dish on such occasions; connection with ME. bene ‘prayer, request, solicitation’ from the custom of soliciting subscriptions, has also been suggested.]
An annual dinner given by employers to their work-people. Hence Bean-feaster.
1882. Printing Times, 15 Feb., 26/2. A beanfeast dinner served up at a country inn.
1884. Bath Jrnl., 26 July, 6/1. The annual grant of £20 for their bean feast.
1884. Cornh. Mag., Jan., 621. There he tosses, and tumbles, and grimaces, and turns cart-wheels, for the delectation of the bold beanfeasters, who encourage him by coppers, or perhaps by a delusive expectation of coppers which are not given.
