gowpen

noun

gow·​pen
ˈgəu̇pən
plural -s
1
chiefly Scottish
a
: the hollow of two hands held together as if forming a bowl
b
or less commonly gowpenful
-ˌfü(l)
 plural gowpenfuls : a double handful
gathered a gowpenful of flinty arrowheads—John Service
2
Scots law : the perquisite of meal from tenants by thirlage that is allowed to a miller's servant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English goupyne, from Old Norse gaupn (in plural only) cupped hand; akin to Old High German coufana hand, Old English gēap open, wide, gōma palate

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Dictionary Entries Near gowpen

gowp

gowpen

go wrong

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Cite this Entry

“Gowpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gowpen. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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