Noun
(countable, US)
(historical) A fashionable formal tea party or other social gathering; specifically, one organized and attended chiefly by women to discuss matters of suffrage, raise funds for charity, etc.
(by extension) Any exclusive social gathering.
(figuratively, chiefly in the negative, also attributively) Something (as an event or policy) excessively polite and refined; specifically, one regarded as ineffective and weak.
Synonym: tea party