pig lead

9.3

Blocks of lead made for storage or moving

noun
/pɪg lɛd/

Specialized

: plomo en lingotes

She explained that pig lead refers to blocks of lead shaped for easy handling.

Examples

After the smelting process, pig lead is transported to various manufacturers.
The factory stores the raw pig lead in large warehouses before processing it further.
The factory produces high-quality pig lead for construction.
They transport pig leads across the country regularly.
The factory stores the raw pig lead in large warehouses before processing it further.
After the smelting process, pig lead is transported to various manufacturers.
She explained that pig lead refers to blocks of lead shaped for easy handling.

Synonyms

pig

vspig lead

Specialized

22 9.7

A large piece of metal made by pouring melted metal into a mold

refers specifically to lead ingots cast for storage or transport

Surface Forms

pig lead singular

pig leads plural

Morphology

pig + lead

The phrase is a literal noun–noun compound: 'pig' (a cast metal ingot) + 'lead' (the metal) yields lead cast into pig-shaped ingots. This compositional relationship follows standard noun‑modifier patterns, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings can readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The noun pig lead comes from the way lead was poured into molds to make small bars called 'pigs' because the pieces looked like little pigs. So pig lead means 'lead' made into small blocks for easy storage and transport.