Dictionary

waterpotful en · NOUN

Etymology

From waterpot + -ful.

Meanings

1. As much as a waterpot will hold.
   • About the beginning of February, I have every part of the trees unnailed, and well washed with a paint brush, in every part, with the following composition; soot, quick-lime, scotch snuff, and sulphur vivum; one pound of each, put into a large waterpotful of soap-suds and urine. 1834 November 1, James Eaton, “A Mode of Cultivating and Protecting Fruit-Trees”, in The Horticultural Register, and General Magazine, of All Useful & Interesting Discoveries Connected with Natural History and Rural Subjects, volume III, number 41, London: […] Baldwin and Cradock, pages 457–458:
   • For use add half a gill to a three-gallon waterpotful of water, and wet every part of the plants by spraying or dipping them in the solution just before the trusses start from the crown, and repeat before the flowers open, and again when the fruit is set. 1892 November 17, “Work for the Week”, in The Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Home Farmer. A Chronicle of Country Pursuits and Country Life, Including Bee-keeping., third series, volume XXV, number 647 / old series, volume LXXXVII, number 2303, London, page 449:
   • The liquid must be diluted according to its strength, and 2 ozs. of Peruvian guano to a 4-gallon waterpotful of water is the right strength to use. 1909 April 17, “Growing Melons over a Water-Tank”, in Gardening Illustrated. For Town & Country. A Weekly Journal for Amateurs and Gardeners., volume XXXI, number 1,571, London, page 212:
   • That drink wine in bowls. “By waterpotfuls.” Anoint themselves with the chief ointments. This must be taken in close connection with the next verse. They are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. 1898 September 8, “The Sunday School. International Lesson, Sept. 11. “Sinful Indulgence.” Amos 6. 1-8. Golden Text, Isa. 28-7. Practical Notes.”, in The Clinton News-Record, volume XX, number 1,033 (whole), Clinton, Ont.:
   • One waterpotful of water on a plant proves to be merely an introduction to taking out the hose and soaking the whole perennial border. 1950 July 7, Christopher Billopp, “Changing Clothes”, in Decatur Herald, volume 71, number 158, Decatur, Ill., page 8:
   • If moderately moist one or two 3-gallon waterpotfuls to a square yard may suffice, but if dry twice the quantity will be required. [1891–1894?], John Wright, The Fruit Grower’s Guide, div. IV, London: Virtue and Company, page 292:
   • Next, in a year like the present, give the plant a thorough soaking of water, not a waterpotful, but 30 gallons or so. 1913 September 20, White Rose, “September in the Rose Garden”, in The Gardeners’ Chronicle: A Weekly Illustrated Journal of Horticulture and Allied Subjects, volumes LIV—third series, number 1,395, London, page 198:
   • Now admitting that one ounce of Peruvian guano and one pint of soot will make a large waterpotful, holding three gallons of liquid manure, as strong as it ought to be applied to any plant when constantly used, it will be easy to ascertain how much of mere clear water should be added to a much more highly concentrated liquid manure, brewed thus for mere convenience’ sake. 1850 March 7, R. Errington, “The Fruit-Garden”, in The Cottage Gardener: A Practical Guide in Every Department of Horticulture, volume III, number LXXV, London: Wm. S. Orr and Co., page 307:
   • If it look strong we would advise you to add two waterpotsful of clear water to one of liquid manure. 1873 March 27, The Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman. A Chronicle of the Homestead, Poultry-Yard, Apiary, & Dovecote., volume XXIV (new series) / XLIX (old series), London, page 270:
   • He created no small quantity of wine, six waterpotsful, each containing about twenty-five gallons. 1934 January 15, “Rev. H. Maack Calls Christ’s Cana Miracle Supporter of Faith: Text One of Bible Passages Much Abused, Minister Says”, in St. Louis Globe-Democrat, volume 59, number 241, St. Louis, Mo., section “A Different Application”, page 4C:
   • That lie on ivory diwans and sprawl on their couches—another luxurious custom, which filled this rude shepherd with contempt—and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall—that is, only the most delicate of meats—who prate or purr or babble to the sound of the viol, and as if they were David himself invent for them instruments of song; who drink wine by ewerfuls—waterpotfuls—and anoint with the finest of oils—yet never do they grieve at the havoc of Joseph! 1896, George Adam Smith, “The False Peace of Ritual: Amos iv. 4—vi.”, in The Book of the Twelve Prophets, Commonly Called the Minor (The Expositor’s Bible; edited by W[illiam] Robertson Nicoll), volumes I (Amos, Hosea and Micah), London: Hodder and Stoughton, pages 174–175:

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