noun
1A kettle of tinned iron.
Generally regarded as of inferior quality, or typical of a poor household.
2A metal kettle, pan, etc., that is beaten to make a cacophonous noise, either in celebration or to show opprobrium, especially on the part of a large group of people. Compare "tin pan". Now chiefly historical.
With use in the context of serenading newly-weds, compare
tin-kettle
,
tin-kettler
, and "tin-kettling".3 rare Extended and allusive uses. A piano of poor quality.
Origin
Late 17th century; earliest use found in William King (1663–1712), writer. From tin + kettle.
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