Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large drinking vessel with a single handle and often a hinged lid: A tankard is a tall, cylindrical cup, traditionally made of pewter, silver, or glass, designed for drinking beverages like beer or ale. Its defining features are its substantial size, one handle for gripping, and frequently a lid that can be flipped open.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The bartender filled the pewter tankard with frothy ale.
  • He raised his glass tankard in a toast to the newlyweds.
  • Medieval taverns often served drinks in wooden or metal tankards.

Advanced Usage

• "Tankard" is almost exclusively used in historical or traditional contexts, particularly those involving pubs, taverns, or historical reenactments. It evokes an image of communal, hearty drinking.
  • The collection featured ornate silver tankards from the 18th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Mug (n): A similar drinking vessel, usually cylindrical with a handle, but typically without a lid and often made of ceramic.
• Stein (n): A large, often decorative beer mug, frequently made of stoneware and sometimes having a lid.

Synonyms

• Beer mug: A mug used for drinking beer.
• Flagon: A large container for holding drink, especially with a handle and spout, though a flagon is often for serving rather than direct drinking.

Related Phrases

• Tankard of ale: A common collocation specifying the vessel's typical contents.
  • He ordered a tankard of the house ale.

Noun

1. large drinking vessel with one handle