411 REFERENCE · Wiktionary
John Barleycorn
Reference material by Wiktionary contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
English
Etymology
en John (commonly used to personify a concept) + en barleycorn; barley is used to produce malt, the source of most British alcoholic drink.
Proper noun
John Barleycorn
A personification of alcoholic drink made from barley, particularly beer and whisky. from 17th c.
92 Blazing face: redhot. Too much John Barleycorn. Cure for a red nose.
en eponyms
en Beer
en Personifications