Definition of "afternoon tea"

Afternoon tea remains at its present price of 4s, but the prices of all other main meals have risen by 1s. Thus a full breakfast now costs 10s, lunch 13s 6d and dinner 14s 6d or 16s 6d according to train.

1964 May, “News and Comment: BR meal prices up again”, in Modern Railways, page 293

As with luncheon, afternoon tea was often a women's gathering for reasons that take us back to the reign of Charles II.

2007, Andrea Broomfield, Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A History‎, page 59

Everyone should indulge in a formal afternoon tea at least once while in London. This relaxing, drawn-out, civilized affair consists of three courses, all elegantly served on fine china: dainty finger sandwiches (with the crusts cut off, of course); then fresh-baked scones served with jam and deliciously decadent clotted cream (the rich, thick cream is also known as Devonshire cream); and lastly, an array of bite-size sweets. All the while, an indulgent server keeps the pot of your choice fresh at hand.

2010, Darwin Porter, Danforth Prince, Frommer's England 2011: With Wales‎, page 165

At all the places listed below, it's perfectly acceptable to order one afternoon tea and one cream tea (at about £5) and split the afternoon tea goodies.

2010, Rick Steves, Rick Steves′ England 2011‎, page 179

The British tradition of afternoon tea is still observed on the last Friday of each month, from January to August, at the hilltop mansion of the governor-general in Nassau.

2011, Darwin Porter, Frommer's Bahamas 2012‎, page 67

After afternoon tea we all combine again for a plenary session, followed by the UniForum NZ AGM.

1993, AUUGN‎, page 53

In looking at meal structures, Douglas (1972) made a clear distinction between the afternoon tea which is a snack and the high tea which is classified as a light meal.

1995, David Marshall, Food Choice and the Consumer‎, page 270