gowpen

noun

gow·​pen
ˈgəu̇pən
plural -s
1
chiefly Scottish
a
: the hollow of two hands held together as if forming a bowl
b
or less commonly gowpenful
-ˌfü(l)
plural gowpenfuls : a double handful
gathered a gowpenful of flinty arrowheadsJohn Service
2
Scots law : the perquisite of meal from tenants by thirlage that is allowed to a miller's servant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English goupyne, from Old Norse gaupn (in plural only) cupped hand; akin to Old High German coufana hand, Old English gēap open, wide, gōma palate

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near gowpen

Cite this Entry

“Gowpen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gowpen. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!