▪ I. † ˈbelly-cheer, n. Obs.
[f. belly n. + cheer, which see for forms.]
1. The gratification of the belly; feasting, gluttony; luxurious eating.
| 1549 Olde Erasm. Par. Eph. Prol., Onely for pelfe, bely⁓cheare, ease and lucre. 1580 Lupton Siquila 56 That gave 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 M. Fotherby Atheom. i. xi. §4 Wine, and Belli-cheere. 1699 Coles, Belly-cheer, cibaria. |
▪ II. † ˈbelly-cheer, v. Obs.
[f. prec. n.]
intr. To feast luxuriously.
| 1549 Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. Eph. Prol. (R.) Riotous bankettyng, potte-companyoning, and belychearynge. 1648 Milton Tenure Kings 41 A pack of Clergie men..to belly cheare in their presumptuous Sion, or to promote designes. |