applejohn

See also: apple-john

English

Alternative forms

• apple john
• apple-john

Etymology

From apple +‎ John, possibly from the fact that it can be eaten on St. John's Day, June 24th, of the year after it was picked.

Noun

applejohn (plural applejohns)

1. (obsolete) A variety of apple which can be kept for a long period, gradually becoming dry and withered; known today as the French crab.
   • a. 1599, William Shakespeare, II Henry IV, act II scene IV:

     What the devil hast thou brought there? apple-johns? / thou knowest Sir John cannot endure an apple-john.

Anagrams

• John-apple