The Collaborative International Dictionary
Barleycorn \Bar"ley*corn`\, n. [See Corn.]
A grain or ``corn'' of barley.
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Formerly, a measure of length, equal to the average length of a grain of barley; the third part of an inch.
John Barleycorn, a humorous personification of barley as the source of malt liquor or whisky.
Wikipedia
John Barleycorn is a British folksong ( Roud 164). The character of John Barleycorn in the song is a personification of the important cereal crop barley and of the alcoholic beverages made from it, beer and whisky. In the song, John Barleycorn is represented as suffering attacks, death and indignities that correspond to the various stages of barley cultivation, such as reaping and malting.
John Barleycorn is an autobiographical novel by Jack London dealing with his enjoyment of drinking and struggles with alcoholism. It was published in 1913. The title is taken from the British folksong " John Barleycorn".
Usage examples of "john barleycorn".
If the words and deeds of Jesus are simply those of the principal actor in the drama of John Barleycorn, we need be no more surprised than we are when we hear a lady of doubtful reputation (and it is said there were no less than four such on the stage in the bad old days about one hundred years ago) explain to the villain that she prefers death to dishonour.
Accordingly, they made their way to the nearest temple dedicated to John Barleycorn, and ordered a ceremonial libation in tall glasses.
Senator Fowler and I are going to sit here and communicate with John Barleycorn.