pewter

[pyoo-ter]

noun

1. any of various alloys in which tin is the chief constituent, originally one of tin and lead.

2. a container or utensil made of such an alloy.

3. such utensils collectively.

   a revival of interest in pewter.

4. British Slang.

   1. a cup awarded as a prize or trophy, as in a sporting event.

   2. prize money.

adjective

1. consisting or made of pewter.

   a pewter mug.

pewter

/ ˈpjuːtə /

noun

1. 1. any of various alloys containing tin (80–90 per cent), lead (10–20 per cent), and sometimes small amounts of other metals, such as copper and antimony

   2. ( as modifier )

      pewter ware

      a pewter tankard

2. 1. a bluish-grey colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      pewter tights

3. plate or kitchen utensils made from pewter

Other Word Forms

• pewterer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pewter¹

1325–75; Middle English pewtre < Middle French peutre < Vulgar Latin *piltrum; perhaps akin to spelter

Word History and Origins

Origin of pewter¹

C14: from Old French peaultre, of obscure origin; related to Old Provençal peltre pewter

Example Sentences

The work, with a handsome design by Mr. Loquasto, features what look like sheets of pewter leaf hanging from clotheslines, beneath and through which eight dancers in dusky-hued unitards come and go.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He remembers two politicians who would eat together and regularly put in the same order: "Two working man's portions of your beef and two pewter mugs of your finest ales."

Read more on BBC

“A packet of red paste and a tea tray, which might be iron or pewter.”

Read more on Literature

Instead of pewter, Charrière employs polished stainless steel panels, the largest more than seven feet tall.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The team’s primary colors have been red and pewter since 1997.

Read more on Washington Times