| 释义 |
nipperkin Now rare.|ˈnɪpəkɪn|
Also 7–8 kn-, 7 niper-.
[Of obscure etym. The form points to a Du. or LG. origin: cf. MDu. nypelkin, the name of some game.]
1. A measure or vessel of small capacity used for liquors, containing half-a-pint or less.
1694Motteux Rabelais v. xxxiv. (1737) 152 Barrels, Nipperkins, Pint-Pots, Quart-Pots. 1739R. Bull tr. Dedekindus' Grobianus 158 Some..puff in ev'ry Nipperkin of Ale. 1755J. Shebbeare Lydia (1769) I. 350 The old song, which goes on with the gallon,..the pint, the half-pint, the nipperkin, and the brown bowl. 1796[see nip n.2]. 1832Blackw. Mag. XXXI. 320 The nipperkins, cups, and cans, The skillets, and kettles, and all.
2. The quantity of liquor that can be contained in such a measure; a small quantity of wine, ale or spirits. In later use chiefly Sc.
1671A. Behn Amorous Prince iv. iv, 'Tis something cold, I'le go take a Niperkin of wine. a1700B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, Nipperkin, half a Pint of Wine, and but half a Quartern of Brandy, Strong waters, &c. 1792Burns Let. to Cunningham 10 Sept., I have set a nipperkin of toddy by me. 1813Wolcot (P. Pindar) On Style of Johnson, Such a clatter, To force up one poor nipperkin of water. 1856Strang Glasgow & its Clubs 530 Kindred spirits met to quaff their nipperkin of ale. 1890Service Notandums xi. 77 We juist hae time for a nipperkin o' yuill. |