What did orgy mean in 1860?

Orgy too much food, drink, or sex

You are right to suspect that the word 'orgy' has changed its meaning. Words can gradually change their meanings, particularly when one meaning of several is for some reason preferred, or more relevant, in a particular time, country or society. This has happened with the word 'orgy' which in the common press of the western world has come to be always associated with licentious sex. It is an excellent example of how language is changed by headline writers, though not necessarily by serious writers. Headline writers are always looking for short words, preferably of no more than four letters, to get a message across. Almost invariably now when the word is used in headlines, and indeed the reports following such headlines, it is associated with sex. But it was not always so.

In 1860 the word had not yet gathered up that flavour. It meant then (and can still mean) "Secret rites or ceremonies practised in the worship of various deities of Greek and Roman mythology; esp. those connected with the festivals in honour of Dionysus or Bacchus, or the festival itself, which was celebrated with extravagant dancing, singing, drinking, etc." OED2 gives this as the first meaning. It could be that 'sex' is contained in the 'etc.' However COED10's first meaning is "a wild party characterized by excessive drinking and indiscriminate sexual activities", and relegates the OED2's first meaning to third.

ANI ANSWER

3 or more people not wearing shoes or socks.

First answer by C1r25. Last edit by AnimusPetitoris. Contributor trust: 5 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 33 [recommend question]