rummer
/'rʌmə/
Definition
Noun: A rummer is a specific type of large drinking glass, typically characterized by an ovoid (egg-shaped) bowl mounted on a stem, historically used for drinking toasts, especially with wine or beer.
Usage
The word rummer is a countable noun. It refers to a physical object, a piece of drinkware. It is a somewhat archaic or specialized term, most commonly encountered in historical, antique, or decorative arts contexts rather than in everyday modern conversation.
Examples
- The antique dealer showed us a beautiful 18th-century rummer made of cut glass.
- For the traditional toast, the lord of the manor raised his rummer high.
- The museum's collection includes several rummers from the Victorian era.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The rummer was particularly popular in the 17th to 19th centuries in Northern Europe, especially in the Netherlands, Germany, and Britain. Its design, with a sturdy stem and a large bowl, was suited for hearty drinks.
- Collector's Term: In antique collecting, the specific shape, glass type (e.g., lead crystal), and engraving on a rummer are key to its identification and valuation.
Variants and Related Words
- Goblet: A general term for a drinking glass with a foot and a stem. A rummer is a specific style of goblet with a distinct ovoid bowl.
- Tumbler: A drinking glass without a stem or foot. This is a different style from a rummer.
- Stemware: A category of drinkware that includes all glasses mounted on a stem, such as wine glasses, champagne flutes, and rummers.
Synonyms
- Goblet
- Drinking glass (general)
- Toast glass (descriptive)
Antonyms
- Tumbler (a stemless glass)
- Mug (a handled cup, often made of ceramic)
Related Idioms or Phrases
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly incorporating the word rummer. Its use is primarily literal, describing the object itself.
Noun
-
a large drinking glass (ovoid bowl on a stem) for drinking toasts
