This may be played by a number of people.
A noun which has two or more meanings is selected. One may be thought
of by any of the players, and in describing the same he should use
the word “teakettle” instead of the proper name. All meanings of the
word must be explained, but not too clearly at the first, else the
“teakettle” will be at once guessed. When any of the listeners think
they have discovered the word, instead of naming it, he should ask a
question regarding the “teakettle” which would indicate to the one
describing the same, whether the interrogator was correct. If correct,
he too joins in the description, and throws light on the word. This
should be continued until all the company show by their conversation
that they know the noun selected. Not infrequently it is necessary to
talk very plainly, or throw “electric light” on the teakettle before it
is guessed.
Example: The teakettle I have in my mind, has been from the creation
of the world, and will continue until the world ends. It is also
peculiar in being of the most service during the winter, and forms
a distinguished position in the homes of all American households at
Thanksgiving dinners. My teakettle is cultivated on the farm of many
a plain countryman, but graces the table of many a fastidious city
millionaire, and the longer it lasts, the shorter it grows. Already
somebody is sure they know the word, and says, “Your teakettle may be
squandered, may it not?” and another asks, “Wasn’t it Queen Elizabeth
who would have given her crown for a diminutive teakettle?” And yet
another asks, “Is it not savory, and of great assistance to the poultry
cook?” And thus light is thrown, until the teakettle in question is
known to be another name for _thyme_, and _time_.