English

Alternative forms

• apple john
• apple-john

Noun

applejohn ‎(plural applejohns)

1. (obsolete) A variety of apple which can be kept for a long period, gradually becoming dry and withered; known today as the French Crab
   • a. 1599, William Shakespeare, II Henry IV, Act II Scene IV:

     What the devil hast thou brought there? apple-johns? / thou knowest Sir John cannot endure an apple-john.