I. noun
also ar·vel ˈärvəl
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English arvell, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse erfiöl funeral feast, from erfi inheritance, funeral feast + öl ale, drinking bout, banquet; akin to Old Norse arfi inheritance — more at orphan , ale
dialect Britain : a funeral feast
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Latin arvalis, literally, of cultivated field, from arvum cultivated field + -alis -al
: relating to a body of ancient Roman priests who presided over an annual fertility festival in May