What is "bonspiel"

Bonspiel \Bon"spiel\, n. [Scot.; of uncertain origin.] A cur?ing match between clubs. [Scot.] [1913 Webster] ||

n. A tournament in the sport of curling.

A Bonspiel is a curling tournament, consisting of several games, often held on a weekend. Until the 20th century most bonspiels were held outdoors, on a frozen freshwater loch. Today almost all bonspiels are held indoors on specially prepared artificial ice. Though it is not mandatory, curling teams at bonspiels often wear themed costumes.