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 ( def 2 ).

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 )

      a pewter tankard

      pewter ware

2. 1. a bluish-grey colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      pewter tights

3. plate or kitchen utensils made from pewter

Derived Forms

• ˈpewterer, 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

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."

From BBC

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

From Literature

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Washington Times

More telling, however, is an early moment when she finds an unfrozen stream and rummages in her carry bag for “the pewter cup she had stolen.”

From Los Angeles Times