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

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

From Adrift in a Boat by Kingston, William Henry Giles

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

From The American Frugal Housewife by Child, Lydia Maria Francis

Cut up the chicken, the wings and breast in slices, the merrythought also, and divide the legs.

From The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; In Which will Be Found a Large Collection of Original Receipts. 3rd ed. by Bury, Charlotte Campbell, Lady

The merrythought will come off in the same way as that of a fowl.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)

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