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

Cut off the merrythought in the line f, g, by passing the knife under it towards the neck.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

The breast, wings, and merrythought, are the most esteemed; but the leg has a higher flavour.——Partridge.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

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)

The prime parts of a partridge are the wings, breast, and merrythought; but the bird being small, the two latter are not often divided.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

"When Mrs Bosenna said that about a merrythought I almost split myself."

From Hocken and Hunken by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir