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
Related Words for demijohn
beaker, jug, vial, urn, chalice, decanter, canteen, carafe, crock, glass, retort, jar, ewer, noggin, bag, bottle, fiasco, flagon, crystal, demijohnExamples from the Web for demijohn
Historical Examples of demijohn
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 for demijohn
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
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