drinking-horn

A Viking raises a drinking-horn in a great hall.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A drinking vessel: "drinking-horn" refers to a container for drinking, typically made from the horn of an animal (such as a cow, ox, or goat). It is often used in historical or ceremonial contexts.

Usage Examples

• (A horn-shaped cup used for drinking alcoholic beverages.)
• (A historical artifact used as a drinking vessel.)

Advanced Usage

• "to raise the drinking-horn": a ceremonial gesture of toasting or celebration.

  • The chieftain raised his drinking-horn to honour the fallen heroes. (A formal act of saluting with the vessel.)

• "to drain the drinking-horn": to drink the entire contents of the horn in one go.

  • He drained his drinking-horn in a single gulp, impressing the crowd. (To consume the beverage completely and quickly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Horn (n): a hard, pointed, often curved structure on the head of animals like cattle, goats, or antelopes.

  • The bull's horn was used to make the drinking-horn. (Animal part from which the vessel is made.)

• Drink (v): to take a liquid into the mouth and swallow.

  • They used the drinking-horn to drink water from the stream. (The action associated with the vessel.)

Synonyms

• Horn cup: a cup made from an animal horn.
• Horn beaker: a beaker shaped like a horn, often used for drinking.
• Rhyton: an ancient drinking vessel shaped like an animal's horn or head, used in Greek and Persian cultures.

Related Idioms

• "to drink from the horn of plenty": a metaphorical expression for having an abundant supply of drink or resources.

  • At the harvest festival, everyone drank from the horn of plenty, symbolizing a bountiful year. (A poetic reference to abundance, using the drinking-horn as a symbol.)

• "to pass the drinking-horn": to offer a drink to someone in a social or ritual context.

  • The host passed the drinking-horn around the table, ensuring everyone had a taste. (A communal act of sharing drink.)