Reuben U.S. and Canad. colloq.
(ˈruːbən)
1. The personal name Reuben applied to suggest the conventionally conceived figure of a farmer or rustic; a country bumpkin.
| 1804 in S. Larkin Nightingale 284 But she, tho' conscious of his worth, Had chose a youth more rare; a rustic Reuben was his name. 1890 B. Hall Turnover Club iv. 49, I overheard one of a knot of Reubens standing on a corner. 1901 (song-title) The wedding of the Reuben and the maid. Ibid., You've heard about the Reuben and the time he came to town. 1905 ‘H. McHugh’ You can search Me 60 I've a couple of new card tricks..that will leave the Reubens gasping for air. 1911 H. Quick Yellowstone Nights xii. 313, I took a basket of eggs an went in among 'em, feelin' like a animal trainer in a circus parade as the Reubens gathered around the train. 1953 [see prec.]. |
2. In full, Reuben sandwich. A large sandwich containing cheese, meat, and sauerkraut, usu. made with rye bread and served hot.
Not obviously connected with sense 1.
| 1956 Institutions Oct. 44/2 ‘The Reuben’..is a grilled 3 decker sandwich of heroic proportions. Three slices of russian rye bread generously spread with thousand island dressing contain swiss cheese and corned beef slices interlaced with sauerkraut. 1967 N.Y. Times 10 Oct. 50 The Reuben sandwich..has become wildly popular in most areas of the United States. 1970 Favorite Recipes of Lutheran Ladies 15 Reuben Sandwich... Spread 6 slices bread with dressing, top with cheese, 1 tablespoon sauerkraut and corned beef. 1976 in K. M. Thomas Winning Sandwiches for Menu Makers 2/2 The recipes in this book represent the best of twenty years of sandwich competition, starting with the champion of the first contest in 1956, the now ubiquitous ‘Reuben’. |