A Promise of Tapsters and Other Collective Nouns

[DonRocks]

I've always been curious about the etymology of collective nouns ("a murder of crows," etc.).

From "Ten Of The Best Collective Nouns" by Chloe Rhodes on theguardian.com

This one is just great, and so very fitting for this website:

A promise of tapsters

"Tapster" is now obsolete but can be translated as barman or barmaid "“ whoever is in charge of the "tap". The tapster's "promise" is something we're all familiar with: that slight inclination of the chin, subtle nod or lift of the eyebrow that says: "You're next". But can it be trusted? There's never been a better embodiment of a false promise than the tapster's. In As You Like It, Celia and Rosalind make the point perfectly in their discussion about the promises of love with the damning line: ""¦ the oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster."

You should reference that wonderful little article, and please feel free to add some of your own favorites.