pepper-caster

A chef shakes a pepper-caster over a simmering pot of soup.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for ground pepper: A "pepper-caster" is a small container, typically with a perforated top, designed for dispensing ground pepper at the dining table. It is also known as a pepper shaker or peppercastor.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She passed the pepper-caster across the table so he could season his soup. (A container for sprinkling ground pepper.)
  • The antique pepper-caster was made of silver and had a delicate floral pattern. (A decorative container for pepper.)

Advanced Usage

• "to pass the pepper-caster": to offer the pepper container to someone at the table.
  • Could you please pass the pepper-caster? I want to add some spice to my steak. (To hand over the pepper shaker.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pepper-castor (n): a variant spelling of pepper-caster, referring to the same container.

  • The pepper-castor on the shelf was filled with freshly ground black pepper. (An alternative spelling for the pepper shaker.)

• Pepper-pot (n): a similar container for pepper, often used in British English.

  • He reached for the pepper-pot to season his eggs. (A synonym for pepper-caster.)

Synonyms

• Pepper shaker: a common term for a container with holes used to sprinkle pepper.
• Pepper mill: a device that grinds whole peppercorns, distinct from a caster which holds pre-ground pepper.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly involving "pepper-caster" are recorded; however, related expressions with "pepper" exist.)
  • To pepper with questions: to ask many questions rapidly.
  • The reporter peppered the politician with questions. (Asked many questions in quick succession.)