Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. A ring for holding napkins along with cutlery.
WordNet
n. a circular band used to hold a particular person's napkin
Wikipedia
The napkin ring, occasionally called a serviette ring, was originally used to identify the napkins of a household between weekly wash days. The standard napkin ring is a simple ring made from skewers. The figural napkin ring is an American specialty in which the simple napkin ring is part of a small figure or sculpture that may take any shape and show any motif. Napkin rings appear as single items with the name or initials of the owner, notably given as christening presents, or pairs often given as gifts at weddings and silver weddings. In the English speaking countries, numbered sets of 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 napkin rings are found. Napkin rings are an invention of the European bourgeoisie, first appearing in France about 1800 and soon spreading to all countries in the western world. Most 19th century napkin rings were made of silver or silver plate, but others were made in bone, wood, pearl embroidery, porcelain, glass, and other materials. In the 20th century bakelite and other new materials were used.
Usage examples of "napkin ring".
He picked up his wooden napkin ring and thrust his forefinger through it.
Because this was a visitor to Elphie, the sisters had kindly put ElphIe's napkin ring at the foot of the table, opposite Sanma-a place by custom left vacant, in honor of poor dead Fiyero.
He levelled the gun directly at me as I displayed a badly carved napkin ring.
He leveled the gun directly at me as I displayed a badly carved napkin ring.
There was a white Brussels-lace placemat, a napkin in a silver-gilt napkin ring, a crystal glass for white wine and a service plate edged in gold.
He banged his silver napkin ring on the table, then bent to kiss her dark hair.
Verrick struggled with his pocket and finally brought out a massive Hopper popper, which he propped upright against his water glass and napkin ring.
He'd have to give up his slave whip and golden napkin ring and move into town.
To do this the central core was set up on end, and the jackets, having been heated in an immense furnace, were hoisted by a great crane over the core, and lowered on it as one would lower his napkin ring over the rolled up napkin.