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Pippin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pippin

[ˈpɪpɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fruit variety

Pippin refers to a type of apple, specifically a variety that is often crisp, juicy, and sweet. These apples are commonly used for eating fresh or for cooking purposes. The name may also refer to a specific cultivar within the broader category of apples.

Synonyms

apple, cultivar, malus.

Examples of usage

  • She picked a ripe pippin from the orchard.
  • The pippin apple was perfect for her pie recipe.
  • I prefer the taste of a pippin over other apple varieties.
Context #2 | Noun

historical reference

Pippin can also refer to a medieval name, most notably that of Charlemagne's son, known as Pepin the Short. The name has historical significance and can refer to various figures across Europe during the early medieval period.

Synonyms

Pepin, historical figure.

Examples of usage

  • Pepin the Short was a notable king of the Franks.
  • The name Pippin has been passed down through generations.
  • Many stories from the medieval era feature a character named Pippin.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Botanical Diversity

  • There are several varieties of pippin apples, with the 'Cox's Orange Pippin' being one of the most famous in the UK.
  • Pippins are known for their crisp texture and complex flavors, ranging from sweet to slightly tangy.
  • They thrive in cooler climates and are often harvested in late autumn.

Culinary Uses

  • Pippin apples are often used in baking due to their ability to hold shape when cooked.
  • They are great for making cider because of their high juice content and balanced flavor.
  • In many cultures, they are enjoyed fresh, dried, or in preserves.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, pippins often symbolize simplicity and natural beauty; they appear in stories and poems about pastoral life.
  • Children's stories like 'The Tale of Johnny Appleseed' celebrate the planting of pippin trees as a testament to American folklore.
  • The pippin apple variety has featured in various art forms, inspiring artists to depict it as a symbol of abundance.

Historical References

  • In the 1700s, pippins were popular in Europe, leading to cultivation practices that resulted in numerous varieties.
  • Colonial settlers brought pippins to North America, where they became a staple fruit in early American agriculture.
  • Revolutionary icons like Thomas Jefferson were known to cultivate pippins at their estates, emphasizing their historical importance.

Origin of 'pippin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pippin' comes from the Middle French 'pippin,' which means 'seedling' or 'small apple'.
  • In Old English, the term was 'pippa,' which referred to seed or fruit in general.
  • As a term in common use, 'pippin' has been around since at least the 14th century, linked closely with apples.

The word 'pippin' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French 'pippin', which means 'seed' or 'pip'. This is in turn rooted in the Latin 'pippa', which refers to a small seed or a pip. The term initially referred to apple seeds and eventually became associated with a specific type of apple known for its flavor and texture. Over time, the designation of 'pippin' has been adopted in various regions to signify different apple varieties, especially in areas known for apple cultivation. The historical reference to notable figures like Pepin the Short illustrates the word's richness in both botanical and historical contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,591, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.