Britannia metal
or britannia metal
noun
a white alloy of tin, antimony, and copper in varying proportions, sometimes with small amounts of zinc, lead, and bismuth, used for tableware and as an antifriction material.
Origin of Britannia metal
First recorded in 1810–20
Example sentences from the Web for britannia metal
Smashfeeder, a Britannia-metal spoon,—the best imitation shillings are made from this metal.
The Slang Dictionary |John Camden HottenHe was convinced his own dear dad was a tin Baronet; or, at best, Britannia-metal.
When Ghost Meets Ghost |William Frend De MorganBritannia-metal, brit-an′i-a-met′l, n. a metallic alloy largely used in the manufacture of spoons, &c.
She agitated the Britannia-metal teaspoon furiously in the empty tumbler.
The Dop Doctor |Clotilde Inez Mary Graves
British Dictionary definitions for britannia metal
Britannia metal
noun
an alloy of low melting point consisting of tin with 5–10 per cent antimony, 1–3 per cent copper, and sometimes small quantities of zinc, lead, or bismuth: used for decorative purposes and for bearings