finger-glass
Definition
Noun: A finger-glass is a small glass bowl filled with water, used for rinsing the fingers after a meal, especially after a dessert course. It is typically placed at the table setting for hygienic purposes.
Usage Examples
- (A small bowl of water for cleaning the fingers.)
- (Using the bowl to rinse off food.)
Advanced Usage
- "finger-glass with a lemon slice": A variation where a thin slice of lemon is floated in the water to freshen the fingers and add a pleasant scent.
- The hostess served a finger-glass containing a lemon slice for each diner. (A refined version of the finger-rinsing bowl.)
Variants and Related Words
- Finger-bowl (n): a synonym for finger-glass, often used interchangeably, though "finger-bowl" may refer to a wider, shallower vessel.
- The antique finger-bowl was made of crystal. (A bowl for rinsing fingers, similar in function.)
Synonyms
- Finger-bowl: a bowl of water for rinsing fingers.
- Rinse bowl: a general term for a small bowl used for cleaning hands at the table.
Related Idioms
Cultural Note
- The finger-glass is a traditional part of formal Western dining, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is placed to the left of the plate or on a small doily, and diners lightly dip their fingers (never their whole hands) before drying them on a napkin.