Biggin is a word that may not be familiar to many people, but it has been in use for centuries. It is a noun that refers to a type of coffee pot or a cap worn by women in the 18th and 19th centuries. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of biggin, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, biggin is defined as “a small coffee pot with a narrow spout and a lid, used especially in the 18th century.” It is also defined as “a woman’s cap with a frilled edge, worn in the 18th and 19th centuries.”
Origin
The origin of the word biggin is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the French word “beguin,” which means “a cap worn by nuns.” The word was first recorded in English in the 17th century, and it was used to refer to both the coffee pot and the cap.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of biggin is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as a small coffee pot or a woman’s cap worn in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some dictionaries also mention that the cap was worn by women who were unmarried or widowed.
Associations
Biggin is associated with the 18th and 19th centuries, a time when coffee drinking was becoming popular in Europe. It is also associated with women’s fashion during that time, particularly the cap worn by unmarried or widowed women.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for biggin, but it can be described as a small coffee pot or a woman’s cap with a frilled edge.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for biggin.
The same root words
There are no direct root words for biggin, but it is believed to have come from the French word “beguin,” which means “a cap worn by nuns.”
Example Sentences
- The biggin was a popular coffee pot in the 18th century.
- She wore a white biggin with a frilled edge on her head.
- The biggin was made of porcelain and had a narrow spout for pouring coffee.
- Unmarried women wore biggins to cover their hair in public.
- The biggin was a common household item in the 19th century.