lager
Noun: 1. A type of beer: A general term for beer that is made with bottom-fermenting yeast, typically using a process called decoction mashing. This method results in a beer that is usually lighter in color and flavor compared to ales. Traditionally, it was brewed in the spring and stored (or "lagered") to mature over the summer. 2. A defensive encampment: (Archaic or historical) A camp or defensive position, often formed by a circle of wagons.
The word "lager" is most commonly used today to refer to the style of beer. When used in its historical military sense, it is often found in historical texts or discussions about specific periods, like the colonization of South Africa.
Noun (Beer):
- I'll have a pint of lager, please.
- Pilsner is a popular type of pale lager.
- He prefers the crisp, clean taste of a lager over a heavier ale.
Noun (Camp):
- The pioneers formed a lager to protect themselves from attack.
- The historical account described the Boer lager on the veld.
- "Lager" as a verb (rare): To store or mature beer at low temperatures. This is more commonly expressed with the related term "to lager."
- The beer is lagered for several weeks before bottling.
- Lager beer: A more formal or explicit term for the beverage.
- To lager (verb): The process of storing beer at cold temperatures to mature.
- Lager yeast (): The bottom-fermenting yeast used in brewing lager.
- Lagerung (German): The German word for storage or maturation, from which "lager" is derived.
- For the beer: Brew, beer, pilsner (a specific type of lager).
- For the camp: Encampment, laager (a common alternative spelling for the defensive formation), fortress (in a broad sense).
- Lager lout: (British English, informal, often derogatory) A young man who drinks large amounts of lager and behaves in a loud, offensive, and sometimes violent way in public.
- The newspaper blamed the weekend's disturbances on lager louts.
The two primary meanings of "lager" are distinct and unrelated in modern usage. The beer term comes from the German "Lagern" (to store). The military term comes from the Afrikaans/Dutch "laer" (camp), which itself comes from the German "Lager" (camp, storehouse). In contemporary English, the beer definition is overwhelmingly dominant. The camp definition is primarily historical and may be seen in the alternative spelling "laager."
- a general term for beer made with bottom fermenting yeast (usually by decoction mashing); originally it was brewed in March or April and matured until September
- a camp defended by a circular formation of wagons