applejohn
See also: apple-john
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editFrom apple + John, possibly from the fact that it can be eaten on St. John's Day, June 24th, of the year after it was picked.
Noun
editapplejohn (plural applejohns)
- (obsolete) A variety of apple which can be kept for a long period, gradually becoming dry and withered; known today as the French crab.
- a. 1599, William Shakespeare, II Henry IV, act II scene IV:
- What the devil hast thou brought there? apple-johns? / thou knowest Sir John cannot endure an apple-john.