Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PEW'TER, n. [It. peltro; Sp. peltre, from which pewter is formed by a change of l into w, as the French change belle into beau. We receive the word from the Norm. peautre.]

1. A composition of factitious metal, consisting of tin and lead, or tin, lead and brass, in the proportions of a hundred pounds of tin to fifteen of lead and six of brass. Tin alloyed with small quantities of antimony, copper and bismuth, forms the best pewter. Inferior sorts contain a large proportion of lead. Pewter was formerly in extensive use in domestic utensils or vessels; but being a soft composition and easily melted, is now less used.
2. Vessels or utensils made of pewter; as plates, dishes, porringers and the like. – Addison.