boult: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (archaic/obsolete spelling)Archaic, technical/historical (milling)
Quick answer
What does “boult” mean?
An alternative spelling of 'bolt' in some archaic or specialized contexts, primarily meaning to sift or sieve (flour, meal).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An alternative spelling of 'bolt' in some archaic or specialized contexts, primarily meaning to sift or sieve (flour, meal).
To sift or separate finer particles from coarser ones, especially in milling. Can also refer to the act of fastening with a bolt or running away (less common spelling).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern differences; both varieties use 'bolt'. 'Boult' is an archaic variant found in historical texts from both regions.
Connotations
Historical, old-fashioned, possibly regional dialect in past centuries.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use. Found primarily in historical documents or discussions of historical practices.
Grammar
How to Use “boult” in a Sentence
Subject + boult + Object (e.g., The miller boulted the flour.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boult” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old recipe instructed the baker to boult the rye meal thoroughly.
- In the 18th century, they would boult flour through a fine cloth.
American English
- Historical records show the mill was used to boult cornmeal.
- The settlers learned to boult their own flour.
adjective
British English
- The boulted flour was reserved for the finest bread.
- He preferred boulted wheat for his baking.
American English
- They sold both boulted and unbolted cornmeal.
- The boulting process was essential for quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or studies of early modern texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Potentially in historical descriptions of milling processes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boult”
- Using 'boult' in modern writing instead of 'bolt'.
- Pronouncing it differently from 'bolt'.
- Confusing it with 'bout'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an obsolete variant spelling of 'bolt', primarily found in historical texts. Modern standard English uses 'bolt'.
Almost exclusively when reading historical documents, recipes, or technical descriptions of milling from the 17th-19th centuries.
No. For all contemporary purposes, use the standard spelling 'bolt'.
No, it is pronounced identically to the modern word 'bolt'.
An alternative spelling of 'bolt' in some archaic or specialized contexts, primarily meaning to sift or sieve (flour, meal).
Boult is usually archaic, technical/historical (milling) in register.
Boult: in British English it is pronounced /bəʊlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /boʊlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none specific to this spelling”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an old BOULder of a miller using a BOULT to sift his flour.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIFTING IS PURIFYING (removing coarse elements to leave the fine and valuable).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern meaning associated with the archaic spelling 'boult'?