Definition

Noun: A type of hard, clear, brittle candy traditionally made by boiling and cooling cane sugar, often formed into twisted sticks or other decorative shapes. It is characterized by its glass-like transparency and sweet flavor.

Usage

• As a countable noun (often in singular form referring to the type of candy): "Barley-sugar is a classic sweet."
• As an uncountable noun (referring to the substance): "The recipe produces a pan of barley-sugar."
• As a countable noun (referring to individual pieces): "He bought a bag of barley-sugars from the old-fashioned sweet shop."

Examples

• The confectioner demonstrated how to pull and twist the hot syrup to create traditional barley-sugar sticks.
• In the historical novel, the child was given a piece of barley-sugar as a treat.
• This barley-sugar has a pleasant, clean sweetness without any artificial flavors.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively (as a noun modifier): The term can describe the color or appearance of something that resembles the candy.
  • Example: "Her hair was tied with barley-sugar ribbons." (Meaning ribbons of a clear, golden-brown color.)
  • Example: "The old windowpanes had a barley-sugar twist to the glass."

Variants and Related Words

• Barley sugar (alternative spelling): This is a common variant spelling written as two separate words.
  • Example: "The label read 'old-fashioned barley sugar'."

Synonyms

• Hard candy: A general term for sweets that are hard and brittle.
• Boiled sweet (chiefly British): A common term for candies made by boiling sugar.
• Clear toy candy: A specific type of hard, transparent candy often made in molds.

Notes on Meaning

The name "barley-sugar" is historical. While originally it may have involved barley water, modern recipes typically use only sugar, water, and sometimes cream of tartar or lemon juice. The term now primarily denotes the specific hard, transparent form of the candy, not its ingredients.

Noun

1. a brittle transparent candy made by melting and cooling cane sugar