| 释义 |
smitham|ˈsmɪðəm|
Forms: 7 smithom, 8–9 smithum, 9 smithem, 7–8 (9) smytham, 8–9 smitham.
[var. of smeddum, in sense 2 perh. associated with smith n. or v.]
1. The finest particles or dust of ground malt. Also attrib. Now dial.
1620Markham Farew. to Husb. (1625) 61 Your Malt-dust which is the sprout, come, smytham, and other excrements of the malt. 1649W. Blithe Eng. Improver Impr. (1652) 127 That so it may receive part of Smithom-Meale. 1883Almondbury Gloss. 123 Smithum, the smallest of malt.
2. Mining. The finest part of lead ore, usu. obtained by passing through a sieve, and afterwards ground to powder.
1653E. Manlove Customs Lead Mines 274 Trunks and Sparks of oar. Sole of the Rake, Smytham, and many more. 1681T. Houghton Compl. Miner Gloss., Smytham is Lead Ore stamp'd and pounded down [etc.]. 1747Hooson Miner's Dict. s.v. Buddle, They must have clear Water enough, otherwise the Smytham will look bad. 1778Pryce Min. Cornub. 244 To separate and cleanse the Ore, which they call Smitham. 1839Ure Dict. Arts 751 The sediment called smitham is taken out, and piled up in heaps. 1865E. Meteyard J. Wedgwood I. 125 After the vessels are painted, they lead them with a sort of lead ore they call ‘Smithum’.
3. Coal-mining. (See quots.)
1883Gresley Gloss. Coal-m. 228 Smithem or Smytham. 1. Fine slack. 2. Clay or shale between two beds of coal. 1891Sheffield Gloss. Suppl. 53 Smithum, small coal, slack. |