Obs. [f. BELLY sb. + CHEER, which see for forms.]
1. The gratification of the belly; feasting, gluttony; luxurious eating.
1549. Olde, Erasm. Par. Eph., Prol. Onely for pelfe, belycheare, ease and lucre.
1580. Lupton, Sivqila, 56. That gaue himself to nothing but to drincking, bybbing, and bellycheare.
1606. Holland, Sueton., 235. Given most of all to excessive bellie-cheere [luxuriæ].
1650. S. Clarke, Eccl. Hist., 245.
2. concr. Food, viands.
1579. Fulke, Refut. Rastel, 712. Prophane banquets of bellie cheare.
1611. Cotgr., Carrelure de ventre, meat, belly timber, belly cheere.
a. 1619. Fotherby, Atheom., I. xi. § 4. Wine, and Belli-cheere.
1699. Coles, Belly-cheer, cibaria.
