demijohn
[dem-i-jon]
- a large bottle having a short, narrow neck, and usually being encased in wickerwork.
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Origin of demijohn
1760–70; by folk etymology < French dame-jeanne, apparently special use of proper name
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for demijohn
Historical Examples
Put the mixture into a stone jug, or a demijohn, and cork it tightly.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various BranchesEliza Leslie
Let it stand six weeks in a demijohn or glass jar, and then bottle it.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various BranchesEliza Leslie
Put the liquid into a glass jar or a demijohn, and let it stand a fortnight.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various BranchesEliza Leslie
"I—that demijohn that you took last night," began the Briton nervously.
The Cruise of the Dry DockT. S. Stribling
A simple tank can be made from a large water bottle or demijohn.
Boy Scouts HandbookBoy Scouts of America
demijohn
- a large bottle with a short narrow neck, often with small handles at the neck and encased in wickerwork
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Word Origin
C18: probably by folk etymology from French dame-jeanne, from dame lady + Jeanne Jane
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for demijohn
n.
1769, partial translation and word-play from French damejeanne (late 17c.) "Lady Jane," term used for large globular wicker-wrapped bottle, perhaps because its shape suggested a stout woman in the costume of the period. A general Mediterranean word, with forms found in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Arabic.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper