cruet
UK[ˈkruːɪt]US[ˈkruːɪt]
n
a small glass bottle, typically for holding oil or vinegar for use at the dining table.
n
a stand holding such bottles and other containers for condiments.
Etymology
the word 'cruet' traces its lineage to the anglo-norman french 'cruet', meaning a small container or vial. this, in turn, was a diminutive of 'crue', meaning an earthen pot, derived from old french 'cruie' or 'croie'. the ultimate origin is the vulgar latin 'crūcāta', a vessel for holding or mixing, which is related to the latin 'crūx' (genitive 'crūcis'), meaning 'cross'. the semantic connection is thought to be that early vessels or their handles were cross-shaped. the word's journey reflects the medieval practice of using small, specialized containers for liquids at meals, a function it retains today.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it entered english as a complete unit from anglo-norman french, where it was a diminutive form of an older word for a pot or jar.
Examples
the salad dressing was served in a delicate glass cruet.
a silver cruet set containing oil, vinegar, and mustard was placed in the center of the table.
he carefully poured the balsamic vinegar from the cruet onto his plate.