1. plural of chivaree; noisy, mischievous celebrations or serenades, traditionally performed by friends to mock or honor a newly married couple
Usage: chiefly North American; often historical or regional; also spelled 'charivari' or 'shivaree'

Examples

• The newlyweds endured several chivarees from their rowdy friends on their wedding night.
• In frontier towns, chivarees were common pranks played on newly married couples.
• The chivarees included loud music, pots and pans, and playful jeering.
• Historical accounts describe chivarees as both celebratory and sometimes quite disruptive.
• The tradition of chivarees has largely faded from modern wedding customs.