card assembly

card assembly

English

Noun

card assembly (plural card assemblies)

1. (obsolete) A social event, sometimes organized regularly, at which guests play card games. [18th c.]
   • 1751, Tobias Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle, London: Harrison, 1781, Volume 3, Chapter 11, p. 310,

     These preliminaries being adjusted, our hero forthwith repaired to a card assembly, which was frequented by some of the most notable gossips in town […]

   • 1768, Abraham Tucker (as Edward Search), The Light of Nature Pursued, London: T. Jones, Volume 2, Part 1, Chapter 16, p. 244,

     We shall cease to measure others satisfactions by our own standard, or think nothing desirable to them which we would not choose for ourselves; but shall discern a variety of tastes adapted to the several conditions wherein men are placed […] There is as much mirth in the kitchin as the parlour, and as great diversion in a country fair or a cricket match as a card assembly or a ridotto.

   • 1786, Elizabeth Inchbald, Appearance Is Against Them, London: Thomas Jones, Letter  2, p. 31,

     […] sensible well informed people—where are they to be met with? that there are many such, I make no doubt, but, what avails it—a man, or woman, of superior understanding, makes no better figure—nay, I am apt to think, a worse figure at a public place, or, card assembly, than one who can only talk of the weather—the fashions, the opera, or the last new play—and, where does one meet any soul, but at places of this nature?

   • 1796, John Stedman, Narrative of a Five Years’ Expedition, London: J. Johnson, Volume 1, Chapter 1, p. 27,

     Balls, concerts, card-assemblies, and every species of amusement in their power, were constantly contrived for our entertainment.