merrythought

[mer-ee-thawt]

noun

Chiefly British.

1. the wishbone or furcula of a fowl.

merrythought

/ ˈmɛrɪˌθɔːt /

noun

1. a less common word for wishbone

Word History and Origins

Origin of merrythought¹

First recorded in 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 a wish at the time

Example Sentences

The MerryThought made these guys by rolling out two pieces of clay, twisting them together, and pinching them into a ring.

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Winners or losers, the Romans carried this custom to England; and by 1607 a wishbone there was called a "merrythought," because the bone-breaking contestant with the longer end would soon be married.

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A “Royal Baby Bear 2019”, a limited edition cream bear retailing at £125, has been handmade by traditional Shropshire-based teddy bear makers Merrythought especially for the Royal Collection.

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Dumbledore landed beside Harry just as Riddle asked, “Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?”

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“Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?” he asked.

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