nipperkin Now rare.
(ˈnɪpəkɪn)
Also 7–8 kn-, 7 niper-.
[Of obscure etym. The form points to a Du. or LG. origin: cf. MDu. nypelkin, the name of some game.]
1. A measure or vessel of small capacity used for liquors, containing half-a-pint or less.
| 1694 Motteux Rabelais v. xxxiv. (1737) 152 Barrels, Nipperkins, Pint-Pots, Quart-Pots. 1739 R. Bull tr. Dedekindus' Grobianus 158 Some..puff in ev'ry Nipperkin of Ale. 1755 J. Shebbeare Lydia (1769) I. 350 The old song, which goes on with the gallon,..the pint, the half-pint, the nipperkin, and the brown bowl. 1796 [see nip n.2]. 1832 Blackw. Mag. XXXI. 320 The nipperkins, cups, and cans, The skillets, and kettles, and all. |
2. The quantity of liquor that can be contained in such a measure; a small quantity of wine, ale or spirits. In later use chiefly Sc.
| 1671 A. Behn Amorous Prince iv. iv, 'Tis something cold, I'le go take a Niperkin of wine. a 1700 B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, Nipperkin, half a Pint of Wine, and but half a Quartern of Brandy, Strong waters, &c. 1792 Burns Let. to Cunningham 10 Sept., I have set a nipperkin of toddy by me. 1813 Wolcot (P. Pindar) On Style of Johnson, Such a clatter, To force up one poor nipperkin of water. 1856 Strang Glasgow & its Clubs 530 Kindred spirits met to quaff their nipperkin of ale. 1890 Service Notandums xi. 77 We juist hae time for a nipperkin o' yuill. |