vent-peg

The cooper taps the vent-peg into the barrel.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plug or stopper for the vent of a cask or barrel: A "vent-peg" is a small peg or plug used to close the air hole (vent) in a wooden barrel or cask, typically to control the release of air or gas during fermentation or storage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The brewer carefully inserted the vent-peg into the cask to prevent the beer from oxidizing. (A plug for the barrel's air hole.)
  • After tapping the keg, he removed the vent-peg to allow the ale to flow smoothly. (A stopper for the vent of a container.)

Advanced Usage

• "To knock out the vent-peg": To open the vent of a cask, often to allow liquid to flow or to release built-up pressure.
  • The cooper knocked out the vent-peg before drawing the wine. (He removed the peg to open the vent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vent (n): an opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass through.
  • The barrel's vent was too small. (The opening for air.)
• Peg (n): a small, usually cylindrical piece of wood or metal used to fasten or plug something.
  • He used a wooden peg to secure the rope. (A fastener.)

Synonyms

• Bung: a stopper for a cask, though typically larger and used for the main opening rather than the vent.
• Spigot: a tap or plug for controlling the flow of liquid from a container, but not specifically for a vent.

Related Idioms

• (None common; "vent-peg" is a specialized term with limited idiomatic use.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (None; "vent-peg" is not used as a verb.)