Now dial. Also 4 þede, 56 thede. [Etymology unascertained.] A brewers strainer; = TAP-HOSE: see quot. a. 1825.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., B. 1717. Bifore þy borde hatz þou broȝt beuerage in þede.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 490/1. Thede, bruarys instrument, qualus.
1530. Palsgr., 280/1. Thede a brewars instrument.
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia, Thead, the tall wicker strainer placed in the mash-tub over the hole in the bottom, that the wort may run off clear.
c. 1850. Catalogue, in Leicester Gloss. (1881), Spiggot and thead. Ibid. (1881), Thead, a tap-whisk.