Merrythought

Merrythought
Merrythought Mer"ry*thought`, n. The forked bone of a fowl's breast; -- called also {wishbone}. See {Furculum}. [1913 Webster]

Note: It is a sportive custom for two persons to break this bone by pulling the ends apart to see who will get the longer piece, the securing of which is regarded as a lucky omen, signifying that the person holding it will obtain the gratification of some secret wish. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • merrythought — wishbone, c.1600, from MERRY (Cf. merry) (adj.) + THOUGHT (Cf. thought). Also Cf. WISHBONE (Cf. wishbone) …   Etymology dictionary

  • merrythought — [mer′ēthôt΄] n. [< the supposed granting of a wish to the person winning the wishbone contest: cf. WISHBONE] Chiefly Brit. the wishbone …   English World dictionary

  • Merrythought — Not to be confused with The Merry Thoughts. Type Private limited company Industry Toy manufacturer Fate Operating …   Wikipedia

  • merrythought — Wishbone Wish bone , n. The forked bone in front of the breastbone in birds; called also {merrythought}, and {wishing bone}. See {Merrythought}, and {Furculum}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Merrythought Cup — The term Merrythought Cup is used by scholars to describe a specific type of Attic kylix. Attic Merrythought Cup, Antikensammlung Berlin. The Merrythought cup probably developed as a refined form of a rural cup type normally made of wood. The… …   Wikipedia

  • merrythought — noun Date: 1607 chiefly British wishbone …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • merrythought — /mer ee thawt /, n. Chiefly Brit. the wishbone or furcula of a fowl. [1600 10; so called from the custom of pulling the bone apart until it breaks, the person holding the longer (sometimes shorter) piece supposedly marrying first or being granted …   Universalium

  • merrythought — noun /ˈmɛɹɪθɔːt/ The furcula or wishbone …   Wiktionary

  • merrythought — noun Brit. dated a bird s wishbone …   English new terms dictionary

  • merrythought — /ˈmɛriθɔt/ (say mereethawt) noun the wishbone of a bird. {from the custom of two persons pulling the bone until it breaks; the person holding the longer (sometimes shorter) piece will supposedly marry first or will be granted a wish made at the… …  

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