demi-tasse Chiefly U.S.
(dəmitas, ˈdɛmɪtæs)
[Fr., lit. ‘half-cup’.]
A small coffee-cup; its contents. Also attrib. and as adv.
| 1842 Galignani's Paris Guide 17 To the latter [sc. the cafés] it is customary to retire immediately after dinner, to take a demi-tasse of coffee. 1870 J. Murray Handbk. Paris (ed. 4) ii. 31 In the afternoon, when coffee is ordered, the waiter pours you out a small cup (demitasse). 1897 G. du Maurier Martian ii. 49 Drinking our demi-tasse. 1906 ‘O. Henry’ Four Million (1916) 94 A roasted mallard duck..with a bottle of Chablis,..a demi-tasse and a cigar. 1961 M. Beadle These Ruins are Inhabited (1963) v. 71 Coffee..is served demitasse. 1966 Daily Tel. 18 Jan. 13/3 Add 2 gallons of hot, strong coffee and serve into demi-tasse cups. |