merrythought

American  

[mer-ee-thawt] / ˈmɛr iˌθɔt /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. the wishbone or furcula of a fowl.

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merrythought British  

/ ˈmɛrɪˌθɔːt /

noun

1. a less common word for wishbone

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Etymology

Origin of merrythought

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

See Examples For:

merrythought

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

From Adrift in a Boat by Kingston, William Henry Giles

The prime parts of a partridge are the wings, breast, and merrythought; but the bird being small, the two latter are not often divided.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

After legs are taken off, enter knife into the top of breast, and cut under merrythought or wishbone so as to loosen it, lifting it with the fork.

From The Story of Crisco by Neil, Marion Harris

The breast, wings, and merrythought, are the most esteemed; but the leg has a higher flavour.——Partridge.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

I have known the shooting of a star spoil a night's rest, and have seen a man in love grow pale and lose his appetite upon the plucking of a merrythought.

From Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 3 by Mackay, Charles