(a) A periodic gathering (mostly once or twice a year at any one place) of sellers and buyers of goods, usually in connection with a Saint's Day or other church festival; holden ~; graunt of ~; ~ time. [In England, the privilege of holding fairs was granted by the Crown, mostly to abbots and bishops, from the 12 cent. onward. Amusements were provided along with the opportunity for selling and buying.] (b) the neue feire, a fair held in London which was in ill repute; ?any fair primarily given to amusement; cp. even-cheping under cheping.

(a) Fig. A meeting place; any business or dealings; (b) in proverbs.