tea-caddy
Definition
- Noun:
- A container for storing tea: A "tea-caddy" is a small box, jar, or canister, often decorative, used to store loose-leaf tea leaves. It is typically made of metal, wood, or ceramic, and is designed to keep tea fresh and dry.
Usage Examples
- (A decorative box for storing tea leaves.)
- (A container for tea, valued for its craftsmanship.)
Advanced Usage
- "tea-caddy" as a historical artefact: In the 18th and 19th centuries, tea-caddies were often locked to prevent servants from stealing expensive tea. They were sometimes called "tea chests" or "tea boxes."
- The locked tea-caddy was a symbol of the household's wealth and the preciousness of tea. (A container that was secured due to tea's high value.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tea (n): the dried leaves of the tea plant, used for making a hot drink.
- She brewed a cup of green tea. (The drink made from tea leaves.)
- Caddy (n): a small container or box, often used for storing items like tea or spices.
- He bought a new caddy for his collection of rare spices. (A container for storing items.)
Synonyms
- Tea chest: a large wooden box for storing or shipping tea.
- Tea canister: a small, often airtight container for tea leaves.
- Tea box: a general term for any box used to store tea.
Related Idioms
- Not one's cup of tea: something not to one's liking or preference.
- That kind of music is not my cup of tea. (It is not something I enjoy.)
- Note: This idiom uses "tea" but not "tea-caddy" directly; it is included for contextual understanding of tea-related language.