Literary notes about sprinkle (AI summary)
The word "sprinkle" is employed with remarkable versatility in literature, ranging from the literal act of scattering ingredients in culinary instructions ([1], [2], [3]) to metaphorical and symbolic usages in poetry and narrative. In ancient cookery texts, it denotes a precise and deliberate action of adding spices or liquids to enhance flavor, as seen in numerous culinary directions from Imperial Rome ([1], [4]). In other contexts, it takes on a more figurative or ritualistic meaning: authors use it to evoke delicate touches or transformative moments, whether it is the scattering of holy water in a rite ([5]) or the playful, almost magical, language of a brush stroke in stirring visual imagery ([6]). Additionally, modern works adopt the term to create both humor and atmosphere, as in the repeated, rhythmic call to "sprinkle" that adds a distinctive, almost incantatory note to the text ([7]).
- WHEN COOKED WIPE THE PIG CLEAN, LET IT DRIP OFF; SPRINKLE WITH PEPPER, SERVE.
— from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius - [without boiling the eggs] AND SPRINKLE WITH VERY FINE PEPPER.
— from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius - [finish its cooking in this broth] SPRINKLE WITH PEPPER AND SERVE.
— from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius - [4] A LITTLE VINEGAR AND REDUCED MUST, TASTE IT, IF INSIPID ADD MORE BRINE [broth] IF TOO SALTY, ADD MORE HONEY, AND SPRINKLE WITH SAVORY [5].
— from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius - Sit down on his bed: Sprinkle holy water over him.
— from Demonology and Devil-lore by Moncure Daniel Conway - “To sprinkle with my brush,” added Sprinkler.
— from Pan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania by Adam Mickiewicz - It is a setter's work to follow a trail, a Bernardine's to gather alms, but my work is—to sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle, and that's all!”
— from Pan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania by Adam Mickiewicz