DCHP-1 Online

bee

• n. in pioneer days especially, a neighborly gathering for various kinds of work, often followed by a party.

  See also: frolic  

  • 1814  (1903)  Mrs. Chamberlain also had a bee, an apple-drying bee. . . .
  • 1826  (1832)  They always contrive to have some whiskey at these "bees," which are a kind of merrymeeting. . . .
  • 1963  Community painting "bees" aren't what they used to be, says municipal councillor Joan Greenwood.