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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Philopena

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
philopena

n. 1 A game in which a person, on finding a double-kernelled almond or nut, may offer the second kernel to another person and demand a playful forfeit from that person to be paid on their next meeting. The forfeit may simply be to exchange the greeting "Good-day, Philopena" or it may be more elaborate. Philopenas were often played as a form of flirtation. 2 The occasion on which a philopena is forfeited; the forfeit paid. 3 A nut or almond with a double kernel, as used to set a philopena.

Usage examples of "philopena".

I move that he keeps still and lets this human philopena snip you out a speech.