Dictionary

tinker tailor grass en · NOUN

Etymology

From its use in counting or choosing games, especially those used to divine the profession of a future sweetheart ("tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor…").

Meanings

1. (countable, regional, uncountable) Any of several types of grass-like plant having individual ears or seeds, especially ryegrass (genus Lolium), or ribwort plantain (genus Plantago).
   • I'd make a daisy chain for the fairies or play with the tinker tailor grass, or just dream the time away. 2012, Durelle Dean, Ravaged Innocence, page 82:
   • At Fifty-six Eden Street the parched front lawn was scattered with dry cocksfoot seeds and faded tinker-tailor grass. 1984, Janet Frame, An Angel at my Table, Virago, published 2024, page 171:

Forms