Supernaculum definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

View all »
Definitions (3)

On the nail: used of drinking, with reference to the custom of turning the glass over the thumb to show that there was only a drop left small enough to rest on the nail: as, to drink supernaculum. To drink supernaculum was an antient custom, not only in England, but also in several other parts of Europe, of emptying the cup or glass, and then pouring the drop or two that remained at the bottom upon the person's nail that drank it, to shew that he was no flincher. Brand, Pop. Antiq. (ed. 1813), II. 238.
Wine good enough to be worth drinking to the bottom; good liquor; hence, anything very fine or enjoyable. Gab. For the cup's sake I'll bear the cupbearer. Iden. 'Tis here ! the supernaculum! twenty years Of age, if 'tis a day. Byron, Werner, i. 1. And empty to each radiant comer A supernaculum of summer. Lowell, Eurydice.

To drink supernaculum is to empty the cup so thoroughly that the last drop or "pearl," drained on to the nail, retains its shape, and does not run. — The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 5 Poetry
With agony he had observed that supernaculum was his miserable lot. — Vivian Grey
_ 'Tis here! the _supernaculum! — The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 5 Poetry
The cup was in Vivian's hand, Rudesheimer was roaring supernaculum louder than all; Vivian saw that the covetous — Vivian Grey
Clear off, neat, supernaculum! — Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 1