merrythought

[ mer-ee-thawt ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. the wishbone or furcula of a fowl.

merrythought

/ ˈmɛrɪˌθɔːt /

noun

1. a less common word for wishbone

Word History and Origins

Origin of merrythought¹

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

The MerryThought made these guys by rolling out two pieces of clay, twisting them together, and pinching them into a ring.

From Salon

Winners or losers, the Romans carried this custom to England; and by 1607 a wishbone there was called a "merrythought," because the bone-breaking contestant with the longer end would soon be married.

From Salon

A “Royal Baby Bear 2019”, a limited edition cream bear retailing at £125, has been handmade by traditional Shropshire-based teddy bear makers Merrythought especially for the Royal Collection.

From The Guardian

Dumbledore landed beside Harry just as Riddle asked, “Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?”

From Literature

“Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?” he asked.

From Literature