Flagon vs. Tankard — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 18, 2024
A flagon is a large, often decorative container for liquids, especially wine or beer, while a tankard is a single-serving, mug-like container, usually with a handle and often made of metal.
Difference Between Flagon and Tankard
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flagon is typically a large container used for serving or storing liquids, especially alcoholic beverages like wine or beer, and is often made of glass, pottery, or metal. These containers can vary in size but are generally designed to hold and pour multiple servings. Whereas, a tankard is a form of drinkware, similar to a mug, traditionally used for drinking alcoholic beverages such as beer. Tankards are usually made of metal, ceramic, or glass and often feature a single handle and sometimes a hinged lid, designed for personal use.
Flagon designs often emphasize aesthetics as well as functionality, with some featuring elaborate shapes and decorative elements, making them popular for ceremonial or decorative purposes. On the other hand, tankards tend to have a more robust and practical design, often reflecting traditional or historical styles, and are commonly used in pubs and taverns.
The use of a flagon is typically associated with the serving of drinks during meals or special occasions, allowing for a shared experience among participants. It symbolizes hospitality and abundance. Whereas a tankard, being a personal drinking vessel, is associated more with individual enjoyment and the traditional pub culture, symbolizing camaraderie and personal leisure.
Flagons can vary widely in terms of materials, including glass, pottery, silver, and pewter, reflecting their use across different cultures and historical periods. This variety allows for a broad range of styles and functions, from practical to ceremonial. Tankards, while also available in various materials, are more commonly found in pewter, silver, or glass, with a focus on durability and a traditional appearance that evokes a sense of history and tradition.
The choice between a flagon and a tankard often depends on the context of use, with flagons being preferred for serving multiple people or for decorative purposes, and tankards being favored for personal use or in settings like pubs and taverns. Each serves a specific social and cultural function, reflecting different aspects of drinking traditions and hospitality.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Serving and storing liquids, often in larger quantities for multiple servings.
Personal consumption, usually of alcoholic beverages like beer.
Material
Commonly made of glass, pottery, or metal.
Often made of metal (pewter, silver), ceramic, or glass.
Design
Can be decorative, with elaborate shapes and details for ceremonial use or decoration.
More robust and practical, often with a handle and sometimes a lid.
Symbolism
Associated with hospitality and shared experiences.
Symbolizes individual enjoyment and traditional pub culture.
Historical Use
Used across various cultures and time periods for serving drinks.
Originates from a long tradition of personal drinking vessels.
Compare with Definitions
Flagon
Flagon use is often associated with hospitality and sharing.
The host filled the flagon with wine, signifying a warm welcome to his guests.
Tankard
Tankards are commonly made of metal, ceramic, or glass.
The ceramic tankard, adorned with medieval knights, was a gift from the festival.
Flagon
Often decorative, flagons can serve as a ceremonial or decorative piece.
The silver flagon, engraved with the family crest, was displayed prominently in the cabinet.
Tankard
Some tankards come with a lid and a handle for practicality.
He lifted the lid of his silver tankard, revealing the frothy beer inside.
Flagon
A flagon is a large container used for serving drinks, especially alcoholic beverages.
The medieval feast featured wine served from a beautifully crafted flagon.
Tankard
A tankard is a single-serving vessel, often with a handle, used for drinking beverages like beer.
He raised his pewter tankard, toasting to the health of his friends.
Flagon
Designed to hold multiple servings, flagons are ideal for sharing among guests.
At the dinner party, a flagon of red wine was passed around for guests to pour from.
Tankard
Designed for durability, tankards often feature a robust and practical design.
The sturdy glass tankard survived the fall unscathed, much to the owner's relief.
Flagon
Flagons are made from a variety of materials including glass, pottery, and metal.
The glass flagon on the dining table shimmered under the candlelight.
Tankard
Tankards are closely associated with pub culture and individual leisure.
The collection of antique tankards on the shelf spoke of centuries of pub traditions.
Flagon
A flagon () is a large leather, metal, glass, plastic or ceramic vessel, used for drink, whether this be water, ale, or another liquid. A flagon is typically of about 2 imperial pints (1.1 l) in volume, and it has either a handle (when strictly it is a jug), or (more usually) one or two rings at the neck.
Tankard
A tankard is a form of drinkware consisting of a large, roughly cylindrical, drinking cup with a single handle. Tankards are usually made of silver or pewter, but can be made of other materials, for example wood, ceramic or leather.
Flagon
A large vessel, usually of metal or pottery, with a handle and spout and often a lid, used for holding wine or other liquors.
Tankard
A tall beer mug, typically made of silver or pewter, with a handle and sometimes a hinged lid.
Flagon
The quantity of liquid that such a vessel can hold.
Tankard
A large drinking cup having a single handle and often a hinged cover, especially a tall pewter or silver mug.
Flagon
A large vessel resembling a jug, usually with a handle, lid, and spout, for serving drinks such as cider or wine at a table; specifically (Christianity), such a vessel used to hold the wine for the ritual of Holy Communion.
Tankard
A large drinking vessel, sometimes of pewter, sometimes with a glass base, with one handle and often a hinged cover.Tankard
I sure would be much happier with a tankard of mead right about now.
Flagon
A flagon and its contents; as much as fills such a vessel.
Tankard
A large drinking vessel, especially one with a cover.
Marius was the first who drank out of a silver tankard, after the manner of Bacchus.
Flagon
(archaic) A large bottle for drinks such as beer, cider, or wine; also, a bottle with a cap used by travellers.
Tankard
Large drinking vessel with one handle
Flagon
The amount that such a bottle holds, about 1.13 litres.
Flagon
A vessel with a narrow mouth, used for holding and conveying liquors. It is generally larger than a bottle, and of leather or stoneware rather than of glass.
A trencher of mutton chops, and a flagon of ale.
Flagon
A large metal or pottery vessel with a handle and spout; used to hold alcoholic beverages (usually wine)
Common Curiosities
Can flagons be used for non-alcoholic beverages?
Yes, flagons can be used for serving any type of beverage, including non-alcoholic options.
What is a flagon?
A flagon is a large container used for serving and storing liquids, often alcoholic, designed for multiple servings.
How do flagons differ from tankards in use?
Flagons are used for serving multiple people or for decorative purposes, while tankards are intended for personal use, often in a pub setting.
Can you use a flagon for personal use?
Yes, but flagons are designed for serving multiple servings, making them less convenient for individual use.
Are tankards always made of metal?
No, tankards can also be made of ceramic or glass, though metal is a common material.
Are all tankards equipped with a lid?
Not all, but some tankards feature a lid, which historically helped protect the drink from dust and insects.
What’s the historical significance of tankards?
Tankards have a long history in pub and drinking culture, often reflecting traditional craftsmanship and social customs.
How do you clean a pewter tankard?
Pewter tankards should be hand washed with mild soap and water and dried immediately to maintain their finish.
Can flagons be sealed for storage?
Some flagons come with a sealable lid, making them suitable for storing liquids over a period.
What is a tankard?
A tankard is a single-serving, mug-like vessel with a handle, often used for drinking beer and typically made of metal, ceramic, or glass.
Do flagons always have a decorative purpose?
While often decorative, flagons also serve practical purposes for serving and storing liquids.
Is a tankard a good gift for a beer enthusiast?
Yes, a tankard can be an excellent gift for someone who appreciates beer and the culture around it.
What materials are flagons commonly made from?
Flagons are commonly made from glass, pottery, or various metals, depending on their intended use and aesthetic appeal.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
