surprise cup (serprizkup)

A drinking-ve el so arranged as to play some trick upon the drinker. (a) A cup that spills the liquid upon one suddenly, or allows it to disappear into a false bottom as the ve el is tipped. (b) A cup in which some object, as a small animal or a dwarf, starts into sight when liquid is poured in. (c) A gla goblet which, by means of double walls with liquid between them, presents the deceptive appearance of being two thirds full. Also called conjur ing - cup, puzzle - cup. clergy for occasional duties, as on baptisms, marriages, funerals, etc. With tithes his barns replete he sees, And chuckles o'er his surplice fees ; Studies to find out latent dues, And regulates the state of pews. T. Warton, Progre of Discontent.