Stirrup Cup

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A Stirrup Cup is a "parting cup" given by the Scottish Highlanders to guests when they are leaving and have their feet in the stirrups.

It is also the traditional drink (usually port or sherry) served at the meet, prior to a traditional foxhunt.

It can also describe the cup that such a drink is served in.

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1907 edition of The Nuttall Encyclopædia.

See Anya Seton's "Katherine" where the custom occurs frequently before English royalty and nobility left on travels abroad or progresses. Also, G.G. Coulton's "Chaucer and his England," where it is referred to in relation to the Canterbury pilgrims setting out.