E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Carouse (2 syl.).
Mr. Gifford says the Danes called their large drinking cup a rouse, and to rouse is to drink from a rouse; ca-rouse is gar-rouse, to drink all up, or to drink all—i.e. in company.
1
“The king doth wake to-night, and takes his rouse.”
Shakespeare: Hamlet, i. 4.
Carouse the hunter’s hoop. Drinking cups were anciently marked with hoops, by which every drinker knew his stint. Shakespeare makes Jack Cade promise his friends that “seven halfpenny loaves shall be sold for a penny; and the three-hooped pot have ten hoops.” Pegs or pins (q.v.) are other means of limiting the draught of individuals who drank out of the same tankard.
