Apple-john (An).
An apple so called from its being at maturity about St. John’s Day (May 6th). We are told that apple-johns will keep for two years, and are best when shrivelled.
“I am withered like an old apple-john.”
Shakespeare: 1 Henry IV. iii. 3.
⁂ Sometimes called the Apples of King John, which, if correct, would militate against the notion about “St. John’s Day.”
“There were some things, for instance, the Apples of King John, … I should be tempted to buy.”—Bigelow: life of B. Franklin.
⁂ In the United States there is a drink called “Apple-Jack,” which is apple or cider brandy.
