Bible Dictionary
CAROUSINGS
Carousings are drinking parties or banquets characterized by excess and fleshly indulgence. Peter lists them among the former Gentile practices from which Christians were to turn away.
Definition
Carousings are drinking parties or banquets marked by excess and fleshly indulgence. The term describes uncontrolled social revelry rather than ordinary eating or drinking.
Biblical Usage
Peter lists carousings among the former Gentile excesses from which Christians were to turn away. The warning places such conduct among practices inconsistent with Christian living.
Historical Background
The word translates a Greek term meaning drinking parties or banquets. The King James Version renders it “banquetings,” while the American Standard Revised Version uses “carousings.”
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ka-rouz'-ingz (potois, dative plural of potos): This word is found only in the American Standard Revised Version and once only (1Pe 4:3). The King James Version translates it "banquetings." It is one of the Gentileexcesses of fleshly indulgence against which the Christians are warned by Peter.</p>