tay

Definition

Tea.

Etymology

Spelling form indicating original pronunciation of tea. The digraph ea represented /ɛː/ in Early Modern English; it later merged chiefly with ee, but regionally or sporadically with ay (in standard English break, great, steak). Compare the song Polly put the kettle on, where tea rhymes with away.

Example Sentences

• ""[T]hen the Tulip, - ah! didn't the Tulip die hard, - he fout hard for it, even after he had a hole in his head as big as a tay cup.""
• ""There's your tay set for you an' drawin' nicely this minute, Miss Ethel," called old Bridget from the hall."