banquet
UK[ˈbæŋkwɪt]US[ˈbæŋkwɪt]
n
a large formal meal for many people, often followed by speeches
v
to entertain someone with a feast
Etymology
the word 'banquet' entered english in the late 15th century from the old french 'banquet', meaning a 'little bench'. this french term was a diminutive of 'banc', meaning 'bench' or 'table', which itself has germanic origins. the semantic journey is from the physical object (a small bench or table) to the social event that takes place around it. originally, a 'banquet' could refer to a light, informal snack between meals, but over time, especially in english, its meaning elevated to signify a large, sumptuous, and ceremonial feast.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from french, where it was borrowed from italian. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable english morphemes.
Examples
the awards ceremony concluded with a grand banquet in the main hall.
they banqueted the visiting diplomats with local delicacies.
wedding banquets are often elaborate and expensive affairs.