philopena

noun

phil·​o·​pe·​na
variants or philippina
ˌfiləˈpēnə
or philippine
-ēn
plural -s
1
: a game in which a man and woman who have shared the twin kernels of a nut each try to claim a gift from the other as a forfeit at their next meeting by fulfilling certain conditions (as by being the first to exclaim "philopena")

called also fillipeen

2
a
: a nut with two kernels
b
: a gift given as a forfeit

Word History

Etymology

modification (influenced by Greek philos loving and Latin poena penalty) of German vielliebchen, literally, much loved; perhaps from the idea that the gift was a penalty of friendship or love

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Dictionary Entries Near philopena

Cite this Entry

“Philopena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philopena. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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