barleycorn

¹

[ bahr-lee-kawrn ]

noun

1. barley ¹( def 1 ).
2. a grain of barley.
3. a unit of length equal to 1/3 inch (8.5 millimeters).
4. Also barley corn. a type of basket weave that produces an allover geometric pattern.

Barleycorn

²

[ bahr-lee-kawrn ]

noun

1. John. John Barleycorn.

barleycorn

/ ˈbɑːlɪˌkɔːn /

noun

1. a grain of barley, or barley itself
2. an obsolete unit of length equal to one third of an inch

Word History and Origins

Origin of barleycorn¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English; barley ¹, corn ¹

Example Sentences

I started reading it and on page one the characters are all singing "Barleycorn" by Johnny Flynn.

From Salon

The New York Times took a cheekier approach with its front page headline: “John Barleycorn Died Peacefully at the Toll of 12.”

From New York Times

But come November Hangman wakes up again, sort of like John Barleycorn in reverse.

From Literature

They had cheese and milk from the goats that shared the caves with the singers, even some oats and barleycorn and dried fruit laid by during the long summer.

From Literature

Jon sent Tom Barleycorn ahead to scout for them, though the way to the white grove was oft trod and familiar.

From Literature