nor'wester

A sailor wears a nor'wester during a storm at sea.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strong wind from the northwest: "nor'wester" refers to a powerful wind or storm originating from the northwest direction, often associated with maritime or coastal regions.
   • A type of waterproof hat: "nor'wester" also denotes a wide-brimmed, waterproof hat, typically made of oilskin or similar material, worn by sailors or fishermen to protect against rain and wind.
   • A glass of strong alcoholic drink: In some informal contexts, "nor'wester" can mean a large glass of strong liquor, such as rum or whiskey, often consumed for warmth or fortification.

Usage Examples

• Wind:

  • The sailors battened down the hatches as the nor'wester swept across the bay. (A strong northwest wind arrived suddenly.)
  • We could feel the chill of the nor'wester on our faces as we walked along the pier. (The cold wind from the northwest affected them physically.)

• Hat:

  • He wore a traditional nor'wester, with the brim turned down to shield his eyes from the rain. (A waterproof hat used for protection.)
  • The old fisherman's nor'wester was stained from years of use at sea. (The hat showed signs of wear from maritime work.)

• Drink:

  • After a long watch, the captain poured himself a nor'wester to warm his bones. (A strong alcoholic drink consumed for warmth.)
  • They shared a nor'wester of rum before heading back into the storm. (A glass of strong liquor shared among companions.)

Advanced Usage

• "a nor'wester is brewing": a colloquial expression indicating that a northwest storm is approaching.

  • Look at those dark clouds — a nor'wester is brewing on the horizon. (A storm from the northwest is developing.)

• "to weather a nor'wester": to survive or endure a strong northwest wind or storm.

  • The small boat managed to weather the nor'wester by taking shelter in a cove. (The vessel survived the storm through strategic positioning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Northwester (n): a variant spelling of "nor'wester," referring to the same wind or hat.

  • The northwester howled all night, keeping everyone awake. (The northwest wind was very loud.)

• North-west (adj/n): the direction between north and west.

  • They sailed in a north-west direction to reach the island. (The compass point used for navigation.)

Synonyms

• Northwest wind: a wind coming from the northwest direction.
• Storm: a violent weather event with strong winds.
• Sou'wester: a similar term for a wind or hat from the southwest (often used in contrast).
• Oilskin hat: a waterproof hat made from treated fabric (specifically for the hat meaning).

Phrasal Verbs

• Blow in from the nor'wester: to arrive or come from the northwest direction.

  • The cold air blew in from the nor'wester, dropping temperatures rapidly. (The wind brought cold air from the northwest.)

• Put on a nor'wester: to wear the waterproof hat.

  • Before going on deck, he put on his nor'wester to stay dry. (He donned the hat for protection.)

Related Idioms

• "nor'wester in his voice": a metaphorical phrase meaning a harsh, cold, or commanding tone.

  • The captain spoke with a nor'wester in his voice, making the crew snap to attention. (His tone was forceful and chilling.)

• "to drink a nor'wester": to consume a strong alcoholic drink, often as a toast or for courage.

  • They drank a nor'wester to the health of the absent sailors. (They raised a glass of strong liquor in a toast.)