Meanings
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1
noun
a grey, workable alloy consisting chiefly of tin mixed with small amounts of other metals
The candlestick was cast in pewter rather than silver.
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2
noun
objects, especially tableware, made from this alloy
A collection of old pewter lined the shelves above the fireplace.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English peutre, through Old French peautre from Medieval or Vulgar Latin peltrum. The deeper origin is uncertain, though the word may be related to spelter, a term for zinc or a zinc alloy. Modern pewter is mainly tin and generally contains no lead.