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

Take off the merrythought, the neck-bones, and separate the leg-bones from the legs, and the pinions from the wings.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, all birds that can fly possess a “merrythought,” or furculum; and such is not found in the Pterodactyl.

From Project Gutenberg

Bless my drumsticks and merrythought, I shant be so cold and hungry, please God, this time to–morrow night.

From Project Gutenberg

I see I am wrong again, the drumstick is in the dish, and the merrythought is in my head, with numerous companions.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh dear me, there is but a drumstick and a merrythought left.

From Project Gutenberg