monster meeting

plural monster meetings

1. IrelandUKarchaichistoricalA mass public demonstration, especially one of those held in Ireland in 1843–45 demanding the repeal of the union with Great Britain.

   The Monster meetings were signally characterised by an utter absence of both drink and disorder.

   1921, Seumas MacManus, The Story of the Irish Race: A Popular History of Ireland, page 580

   2 more examples

   Monster meetings were held throughout the country, at which O’Connell addressed vast multitudes, stimulating exertion, inspiring enthusiasm, kindling hope.

   1896, “The Repeal Movement”, in Richard Barry O’Brien, editor, Ireland, page 310

   They summoned for 10 April 1848 a monster meeting which should march from Kennington Common to the House of Commons and present a petition said to contain five million signatures.

   1966, Owen Chadwick, The Victorian Church, volume 1, page 350