▪ I. perkin2
(ˈpɜːkɪn)
[? f. purr (or ? f. perry2) + -kin: cf. pomperkin.]
(See quots.)
If the word was derived from perry, it must have been applied orig. to a weak kind of perry, analogous to ciderkin from cider; but of this evidence has not been found.
| 1785 Grose Dict. Vulg. T., Perkin, water cyder. c 1791 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3) s.v. Husbandry §238 The liquor, called cyderkin, purre, or perkin, is made of the murk or gross matter remaining after the cyder is pressed out. 1863 Morton Cycl. Agric. II. 720–7 (E.D.S.) Perkin (Wilts, Glouc.), the washings after the best cyder is made. |
▪ II. perkin
variant of parkin, gingerbread.