wager cups

Term applied to various types of drinking vessels, usually made of wood, pewter or silver, the contents of which were drunk for wagers. Especially those in the form of a standing woman wearing a full skirt and having upraised arms which hold the side handles of a small swinging cup. When the piece was inverted, both the skirt and swinging cup could be filled with wine. The drinker was expected to empty the contents of both without spilling any wine.