The word "costrel" is spelled with a silent "t" and pronounced /ˈkɒstrəl/. It is a noun that refers to a leather or wooden bottle used for holding wine or other beverages. The origin of the word comes from the Middle French "costierel" meaning "little rib" or "indentation," which refers to the grooves often found on the surface of such bottles. Despite its somewhat archaic nature, the costrel remains a charming and practical accessory for outdoor activities such as hiking or picnicking.
A costrel refers to a small container or flask, historically made of leather, used for carrying liquids, especially water or wine. It typically has a narrow neck and a rounded body, allowing for easy gripping or hanging. Costrels were widely used during medieval times and were common among travelers, soldiers, and explorers as a practical way to transport fluids during their journeys.
The origin of the term "costrel" can be traced back to the Middle English word "costrell" or the Old French word "costeau," both of which referred to a small container. The typical construction of a costrel involved a flattened piece of leather shaped into a cylindrical or round bottle-like form, often with an attached strap for convenience. The leather was often treated to make it waterproof, ensuring that the liquid contents remained secure without seeping through.
In addition to its functional aspects, costrels were also seen as a symbol of status or wealth and were adorned with intricate designs, decorative stitching, or even embossed with the owner's coat of arms. Over time, as materials such as glass and pottery became more commonplace, the use of leather costrels declined, and they gradually lost their popularity as more durable options became available.
However, the term "costrel" can still be used today to refer to any small, portable container used for carrying liquids, regardless of the material or design.
The word "costrel" has its origins in Middle English, specifically derived from the Old French word "costerel". The term "costerel" is believed to have come from the diminutive form of "coste" or "cote", which means "rib" or "side" in Old French. This is due to the traditional construction of the costrel, which was made by hollowing out a cylindrical piece of wood from one side, resembling the shape of a rib. The word "costrel" was first recorded around the 14th century and referred to a small container or flask used for carrying liquids like water or wine.