beerage slang.
(ˈbɪərɪdʒ)
[blend of beer n.1 and peerage.]
Brewers collectively, esp. those who are made into peers; the beer industry; also, the British peerage (viewed as containing a large number of brewers).
| 1891 Pall Mall Gaz. 14 Dec. 1/3 The peerage is becoming the beerage. 1901 Westm. Gaz. 17 May 6/2 The following members of the Upper House are interested in Public House property... Another link..between the peerage and the beerage. 1958 Observer 14 Dec. 15/2 Mrs. Dot, the elegant, brewing millionairess—a figure of some social significance in 1908 when the capture of society by the beerage was not yet consolidated. |