coppernose

Preserved but no longer current.

Meaning · English

A nose which is supposed to show a partiality on its owner’s part for strong drink. Synonymous with "jolly nose." Grog-blossoms are the jewels often set in a jolly nose.

Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)

Where it’s used: Origin British & Irish English
Sources & notes

Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.

Common questions

What does “coppernose” mean?

A nose which is supposed to show a partiality on its owner’s part for strong drink. Synonymous with "jolly nose." Grog-blossoms are the jewels often set in a jolly nose.

Is “coppernose” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.