n. & v.
n. 1 an elaborate usu. extensive feast. 2 a dinner for many people followed by speeches in favour of a cause or in celebration of an event.
v. (banqueted, banqueting) 1 intr. hold a banquet; feast. 2 tr. entertain with a banquet. banqueter n.
[ F, dimin. of banc bench, BANK(2) ]