'Philopena' definitions:

Definition of 'Philopena'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. fi`los 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. [Written also fillipeen and phillippine.] [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster] Philopolemic