■ noun
1》 a metal or plastic container with a lid, spout, and handle, used for boiling water.
2》 a container in which operations are carried out on metals or other substances with a low melting point.
Phrases
a different ~ of fish informal a person or matter that is altogether different from the one just mentioned.
a pretty (or fine ) ~ of fish informal an awkward state of affairs.
Origin
OE cetel , cietel , of Gmc origin, based on L. catillus , dimin. of catinus 'deep container for cooking or serving food'.