finger-bowl

finger-bowl

A guest dips their fingers into the finger-bowl after dessert.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A small bowl of water: A "finger-bowl" is a small bowl containing water, placed at a dining table after a meal (especially dessert) for diners to rinse their fingertips.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • After the fruit course, the waiter brought each guest a finger-bowl. (A small bowl of water for cleaning hands.)
    • She dipped her fingers delicately into the finger-bowl and dried them on the napkin. (The bowl used for washing fingertips at the table.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to pass the finger-bowl": an old-fashioned expression meaning to signal the end of a meal or course.
    • The hostess passed the finger-bowl, indicating it was time for coffee. (A formal gesture to conclude the dessert course.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Finger-glass (n): a glass version of a finger-bowl, often used in more formal settings.

    • The antique finger-glass was etched with floral patterns. (A glass bowl for rinsing fingers.)

  • Finger-bowl etiquette: the social rules for using a finger-bowl, such as dipping only the fingertips and drying them on a napkin.

Synonyms
  • Hand bowl: a less common term for a finger-bowl.
  • Rinse bowl: a bowl used specifically for rinsing fingers.
Related Idioms
  • "to dip one's fingers in the finger-bowl": a literal phrase, but sometimes used metaphorically to mean engaging in a formal or polite act.
    • He dipped his fingers in the finger-bowl, a gesture of refinement. (A literal action with social meaning.)