An exclamation used when toasting with drinks, or an expression of approval and encouragement. Also plural of cheer, meaning shouts of praise or support.
From Old French 'chiere' meaning 'face, countenance,' which evolved to mean 'mood' and then 'good mood' in Middle English. The drinking toast usage developed in the 18th century from the idea of raising someone's spirits or 'cheering them up.'
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