COSTARDMONGER Meaning and
Definition
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A costardmonger is a noun that refers to a person who specializes in selling or trading fruits, particularly apples, or other types of produce in a market setting. The term is derived from the combination of two words: "costard," which is an archaic English word for a large apple, and "monger," which commonly denotes a trader or dealer. Thus, a costardmonger can be considered a fruit vendor or a seller who primarily focuses on the sale of apples.
The term can be traced back to the early 17th century when costard in Tudor and Elizabethan England was used to describe a large cooking apple. During this era, costardmongers played a crucial role in local markets where they would set up stalls or carts containing an assortment of apples and other fruits for purchase. They often orated and showcased their produce using loud voices or entertaining methods to attract potential customers.
Today, the use of the term costardmonger may be less common, but it retains its original connotation of a seller specializing in apples or other fruits. It evokes imagery of a bustling market, with colorful displays of fresh produce and the sweet aroma of ripe fruit. While the specific context of a costardmonger might have waned, the term continues to serve as an ode to the historical significance of fruit vendors in the local marketplaces.
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One who sells fruit, fish, or vegetables in the streets of a town in a barrow or small cart.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COSTARDMONGER
- xostardmonger
- vostardmonger
- fostardmonger
- dostardmonger
- cistardmonger
- ckstardmonger
- clstardmonger
- cpstardmonger
- c0stardmonger
- c9stardmonger
- coatardmonger
- coztardmonger
- coxtardmonger
- codtardmonger
- coetardmonger
- cowtardmonger
- cosrardmonger
- cosfardmonger
- cosgardmonger
- cosyardmonger
Etymology of COSTARDMONGER
The word "costardmonger" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from two words: "costard" and "monger".
1. Costard: In Middle English, "costard" referred to a type of large apple or a person's head. The exact origin of "costard" is uncertain, but it is believed to come from either the Old French "coste" meaning "rib" or the Latin "costa" meaning "rib" or "side". The association of the apple or head with the word "costard" is not entirely clear.
2. Monger: The term "monger" is derived from the Old English word "mongor", which means a trader or a merchant. It can also be traced back to the Latin word "mancor", meaning "dealer" or "merchant".
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