1 gowpen | Definition of gowpen

gowpen

noun
gow·​pen | \ ˈgəu̇pən\
plural -s

Definition of gowpen

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 arrowheads— John Service
2 Scots law : the perquisite of meal from tenants by thirlage that is allowed to a miller's servant

History and Etymology for gowpen

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

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