yard-of-ale

[ yahrd-uhv-eyl ]

noun

1. a trumpet-shaped glass about 3 feet (1 meter) long with a bulb at the closed end, for serving ale or beer.
2. the amount contained in such a glass.

yard of ale

noun

1. the beer or ale contained in a narrow horn-shaped drinking glass, usually about one yard long and holding between two and three pints
2. such a drinking glass itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of yard-of-ale¹

First recorded in 1885–90