finger-bowl

Tabletop washing vessel

A finger-bowl is a small bowl of water, sometimes with a lemon slice or flower petals, placed at each setting during formal meals for diners to rinse their fingertips between courses.

The custom belongs to elaborate dining where certain foods—shellfish, artichokes, asparagus—are eaten by hand: The waiter set a finger-bowl beside each plate after the lobster course.

tableware

porcelain

Translucent fired clay

glassware · serveware · ramekin · charger · ceramic · brass · copper · stainless-steel · lacquerware

cleansing

rinse

Wash without scrubbing

  • washClean using liquid
  • cleanseRemove dirt or sin
  • dipBrief immersion or condiment

freshen · water · rosewater · citrus · scented · splash · refresh

etiquette

manners

Customs of polite conduct

courtesy · refinement · grace · poise · elegance · sophistication · breeding · civility · comportment · savoir-faire

dining

banquet

Formal celebratory meal

reception · gala · tablecloth · napkin · silverware · cutlery · placemat · centerpiece · candelabra · butler

cuisine

lobster

Large marine shellfish

  • crabPincer-bearing shellfish
  • shrimpSmall edible crustacean
  • prawnsEdible marine crustaceans

crawfish · mussels · clams · oysters · ribs · wings · artichoke · asparagus · tandoori · injera

Opposites
dining formality

finger-bowlfast food

Speedy prepared meals

paper plate · greasy spoon · TV dinner · paper napkin · cafeteria tray

cleanliness function

finger-bowlchicken wings

Fried poultry sections

finger food

cleanliness/hygiene method

finger-bowlwet wipe

Pre-dampened disposable cloth

paper towel · napkin · greasy fingers

Family

finger, bowl, fingers, fingered, fingering, fingerless, fingerlike, fingerprint, fingertip

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G