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

I have known the shooting of a star spoil a night's rest, and have seen a man in love grow pale and lose his appetite upon the plucking of a merrythought.

From Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 3 by Mackay, Charles

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)

"A merrythought, if you please, and no bread-sauce," said the young lady, in her calm, imperious manner.

From M. or N. "Similia similibus curantur." by Whyte-Melville, G.J.

Ducks and partridges are to be cut up in the same manner; in the latter, however, the merrythought is seldom separated from the breast, unless the birds are very large.

From The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Kitchiner, William

After legs are taken off, enter knife into the top of breast, and cut under merrythought or wishbone so as to loosen it, lifting it with the fork.

From The Story of Crisco by Neil, Marion Harris