‖ vivat, int. and n.
(ˈvaɪvæt, ˈviː-)
[a. L. vīvat, lit. ‘may he (or she) live’, 3rd pers. sing. pres. subj. of vīvĕre to live; perh. partly a. F. vivat, of the same origin. Cf. viva n.1]
A. int. A word of acclamation wishing a person (long) life and prosperity, or expressing applause or approval.
The L. phrases vivat regina, vivat rex have had some currency in English books.
| 1663 Cowley Cutter Coleman St. ii. viii, Joll. Here's a Health to the Royal Travailer... Wor. Come on Boys, Vivat; have at you agen then. 1852 C. Barter Dorp & Veld xiii. 103 Dingaan..was succeeded by Panda, the present king [of the Zulus], of whom we have every reason to say ‘vivat’. |
B. n. An utterance of this word by way of acclamation or applause.
| 1821 Scott Kenilw. xxxii, These donations were accepted with the usual clamour and vivats of applause common on such occasions. 1823 ― Quentin D. xix, The multitude..greeted Meinheer Pavillon with a loud vivat, as he ushered in his distinguished guest. 1840 Thackeray Paris Sk.-bk. (1872) 31 The king was received with shouts and loyal vivats. 1895 Meredith Amazing Marriage xxxiv, Followed by the vivats of the whole Principality. |