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Glite Dictionary
wash-hand stand

wash-hand stand

9.9
A small table that holds a basin and pitcher for washing hands before indoor plumbing
  • noun
  • /ˈwɒʃ.hænd.stænd/
  • Archaic
translation icon : lavabo
  • The wash-hand stand is beautiful.

Examples

  • In old country houses, the wash-hand stand was an essential piece of furniture.

  • A beautiful antique wash-hand stand stood in the corner of the bedroom.

  • She placed a porcelain pitcher on the wash-hand stand beside a delicate basin.

  • What a lovely wash-hand stand!

  • In the old country house, the wash-hand stand was beautifully crafted and held a delicate porcelain basin.

  • Before indoor plumbing became common, people relied on a wash-hand stand to wash their hands and face.

  • The antique wash-hand stand in the guest bathroom added a vintage charm to the decor.

Synonyms

washstand
vswash-hand stand
  • Archaic
1 5.2

A small piece of furniture with a basin for washing hands and face

relies on a removable pitcher rather than a built-in water supply

How Portable

wash-hand stand
  • Archaic
9.9
washstand
  • Archaic
1 5.2
sink
265 1.0

Surface Forms

wash-hand stand singular
wash-hand stands plural

Morphology

wash-hand + stand

The phrase names a piece of furniture for washing hands: 'wash-hand' specifies the purpose (for washing hands) and 'stand' denotes a support or small table. Although somewhat archaic or hyphenated, the meaning is directly compositional and immediately inferable by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Wash-hand stand is a small stand that held a basin and pitcher for washing hands before houses had running water. That's why it means 'a small table for a basin and pitcher used for washing hands'.