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.
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… …
