A noggin is a small drinking cup, generally carved from the burr of a tree. The noggin was first mentioned in the mid 17th century, initially as the cup, and later coming to mean a quarter of a pint[1] equal to a gill. Its use later spread to North America.

The origin of the name is not certain, but probably derives from nog, a strong type of ale brewed in Norfolk, England.[2] The noggin then became a noigin (Irish) or noigean (Gaelic).[3]

The Scandinavian guksi is a similar vessel, carved from the burl of a birch tree.

References

  1. ↑ The Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press: Oxford, 1989, N, p. 178
  2. ↑ Harper, Douglas. "Online Etymology Dictionary". dictionary.com. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "The Maven's Word of the Day". Words@Random. Random House. 14 August 2000. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
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