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

These range from the venerable, notably a pewter mini-samovar, to the merely obsolete, such as a videocassette of “Muppet Treasure Island.”

From Washington Post

Some wanted their old quarterback Tom Brady to win, some wanted him to lose, and a few even sported Buccaneers hats or pewter-toned No.

From Washington Post

Somehow the heir was pictured walking out of the Golden Bee pub holding a pewter ale mug.

From The Daily Beast

Look at those long rows of pewter dishes and platters that grace the shelves.

From Project Gutenberg

But I don't believe he cared particularly whether his spoon was silver or pewter, by Jove!

From Project Gutenberg

I had gone to Williamsburg when turning sixteen, and soon learned to love and wear gold and silver buckles on a pewter income.

From Project Gutenberg

One's imagination ran riot when one pictured the people who must have laid those pewter plates on the long, narrow, solid table.

From Project Gutenberg

You veterans of the pewter know best how much ale to carry with you to bed.

From Project Gutenberg