ˈcup-shake
A separation or opening between two of the concentric layers of timber. So ˈcup-shaken, ˈcup-shaky a. Cf. cup-defect (cup n. 13 d).
| a 1793 G. White Observ. Vegetables in Hist. Selborne App. (1877) I. 421 The wood [chestnut] is very shakey, and towards the heart cup-shakey, that is to say apt to separate in round pieces like cups. 1807 Vancouver Agric. Devon (1813) 286 note, Such of the yew as was not cup or wind shaken, was cut into plank. 1875 T. Laslett Timber Trees 31 The cup-shake. This shake..is most frequently met with near the roots of trees. |