subs. (old).—1. In plural = a woman’s breasts. Also CUPID’S KETTLEDRUM.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.
2. (common).—An afternoon tea-party.
1867. LATHAM, Dictionary, s.v. KETTLEDRUM. Either recent or revived, this word is about two years old.
1869. E. WOOD, Roland Yorke, ch. xiii. Mrs. Bede Greatorex had cards out for that afternoon, bidding the great world to a KETTLE-DRUM; and she was calculating what quantities of ices and strawberries to order in.
1878. J. HATTON, Cruel London, I. iii. Men are as frivolous and as full of gossip and scandal as the tabbies at a West End KETTLE-DRUM.
1888. Detroit Free Press, 8 Dec. ‘Won’t it be rather hard at first to give up all the pink suppers and KETTLEDRUMS and afternoon what-do-you-call-’ems?’ with a suspicion of a grin on his face.
1890. Daily Telegraph, 28 Jan. The ladies’ KETTLEDRUM is not to be shut against male sympathisers, and gentlemen duly provided with tickets are to be suffered to join in the festivities.
