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Apple-john
(An). An apple so called from its being at maturity
about St. John's Day (May 6th). We are told that apple-johns will keep
for two years, and are best when shrivelled.
“I am withered like an old apple-john.” Shakespeare: 1 Henry IV. iii. 3.
Sometimes called the Apples of King John, which, if correct, would
militate against the notion about “St. John's Day.”
“There were some things, for instance, the Apples of King John, ... I
should be tempted to buy.” —Bigelow: Life of B. Franklin.
In the United States there is a drink called “Apple-Jack,” which is
apple or cider brandy.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Apple-john from Infoplease:
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