Cruet
Alternative forms
Origin
From Anglo-Norman cruet, diminutive of Old French crue ("an earthen pot").
Full definition of cruet
Noun
cruet
(plural cruets)- A small bottle or container used to hold a condiment, such as salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, for use at a dining table.
- 1851, Herman Melville, ,Mrs. Hussey soon appeared, with a mustard-pot in one hand and a vinegar-cruet in the other, having just broken away from the occupation of attending to the castors, and scolding her little black boy meantime.
- (British) A stand for these containers.
- 1931, w, Death Walks in Eastrepps Chapter 1/1, He...even had a second slice of lamb, for he was hungry. During the meal, as was his custom, he read from a book propped up against the cruet.
- A small vessel used to hold wine or water for the Eucharist.