samovar
noun/ˈsæməvɑː(ɹ)/ · /ˌsæməˈvɑː(ɹ)/
Etymology From Russian самова́р (samovár, “self-boiler”); from само́ (samó, “self”) + вари́ть (varítʹ, “boil, cook”).
1
A metal urn with a spigot, for boiling water for making tea. Traditionally, the water is heated by hot coals or charcoal in a chimney-like tube which runs through the center of the urn. Today, it is more likely that the water is heated by an electric coil.
- The samovar was beginning to sing; the laborers and the family, having disposed of the horses, came in to dinner.1901 [1878], chapter 25, in Constance Garnett, transl., Anna Karenina, translation of Анна Каренина (Anna Karenina) by Leo Tolstoy, part 3:
- Come on now with the samovar ─ and make haste sorting the letter-bag.1919, Ronald Firbank, Valmouth, hardback edition, Duckworth, page 107:
2 more examples
- Eurydice pointed to the cupboard, and sat down on the low divan with folded hands, and looked at the floor.[…]Elsa made her drink a glass of vodka. Then she fetched the samovar from the kitchen, and made tea.1932, Maurice Baring, chapter 20, in Friday's Business:
- “Chumley. The beverage situation around here is reprehensible.” “Oh, good morning, sunshine.” “Surely our massive conglomerate parent company could spring for a samovar of coffee.” “Yeah, or like a big coffee dispenser.” “That's what a samovar is.” “Are there other black nerds, or is it just you and Urkel?”2006 October 11, Tina Fey, “Pilot” (2:15 from the start), in 30 Rock, season 1, episode 1, spoken by James "Toofer" Spurlock (Keith Powell):