murphy

See also: Murphy

English

Etymology

From the common Irish name Murphy. Compare Donovan (“a potato”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmɜːfi/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmɝfi/
• Homophone: Murphy
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)fi

Noun

murphy (plural murphies)

1. An Irish or white potato.
   • 1857, Thomas Hughes., chapter VI, in Tom Brown's School Days:

     " […] she bakes such stunning murphies—we'll have a penn'orth each for tea; come along, or they'll all be gone."

   • a. 1848, William Thackeray, "Peg of Limavaddy", in The Irish Sketch Book (1848), page 147

     To the chimney nook, / Having found admittance, / There I watch a pup / Playing with two kittens / (Playing round the fire, / Which of blazing turf is, / Roaring to the pot / Which bubbles with the murphies) […]