callithump

or cal·la·thump

[ kal-uh-thuhmp ]

noun

, Chiefly Northeastern U.S.

1. a shivaree.
2. Midwestern U.S. Also called callithump parade. a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.

Other Words From

• cal·li·thump·i·an [kal-, uh, -, thuhm, -pee-, uh, n], adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of callithump¹

1855–60, Americanism; compare earlier callithumpian band assembly of noisemakers on New Year's Eve, British dialect gallithumpians disturbers of order at Parliamentary elections, probably equivalent to dial. gally to frighten (as in gallicrow scarecrow; akin to Old English agælwan to scare) + thump + -ian

Example Sentences

“Our clothes,” he said, “got somewhat fusty in the rebels' little New Year's callithump. They're rowdy boys, and I reckon they knocked down a candle during their celebrations.”

From Literature

I have the greatest respect for honorable toil, but even more for callithump.

From Project Gutenberg

I became acquainted with callithump when I straightened out the asparagus-bed.

From Project Gutenberg

By the time I had pulled half-way down one row I could feel the callithump working.

From Project Gutenberg