teatime

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the customary time in the afternoon or early evening when tea is served

   She promised to return before teatime and prepare the drink herself.

2. 2
   noun

   a light meal of tea with sandwiches, cakes, or similar food

   The guests gathered for teatime beside the drawing-room fire.

A compound of tea + time. It names both the customary hour for serving tea and, by association, the light meal served then. The expression became especially linked with British afternoon domestic and social routines.

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