sb. [F. soirée evening, evening party, f. soir evening:—L. sērum late hour, neut. of sērus late.] An evening party, gathering, or social meeting. (See also SWARRY.)
1820. Lady Granville, Lett. (1894), I. 190. I had a soirée last night.
1836. in Col. Hawker, Diary (1893), II. 107. We had a regular merry soirée on board, and did not leave till past nine.
1856. Mrs. Browning, Aur. Leigh, III. 391. For exhibition in my drawing-rooms On zoologic soirées.
1892. Photogr. Ann., II. 621. Friends’ Photographic Society…. A soirée is held each winter.
Hence Soirée v. trans., to entertain at an evening party or parties. Also Soiréean a., Soiréety (nonce-words).
1826. Lady Granville, Lett. (1894), I. 397. It has been hard work to dine and soirée all the people.
1834. Jekyll, Corr. (1894), 328. This bustle and the eternity of parliamentary sittings keep London in a state of interest and soiréety.
1853. W. Jerdan, Autobiogr., IV. 71. To be in readiness for the reception of the soiréean guests.
