The Collaborative International Dictionary
Philopena \Phil`o*pe"na\, n. [Probably a corruption fr. G. vielliebchen, LG. vielliebken, or D. veelliebken, a philopena, literally, much loved; but influenced by Gr. ? a friend, and L. poena penalty, from an idea that the gift was a penalty of friendship or love.] A present or gift which is made as a forfeit in a social game that is played in various ways; also, the game itself.
Note: One of the ways may be stated as follows: A person finding a nut with two kernels eats one, and gives the other to a person of the opposite sex, and then whichever says philopena first at the next meeting wins the present. The name is also applied to the kernels eaten.
Wiktionary
n. (alternative form of philopena English)