About 1850, the billy superseded the <i>quart-pot</i> (q.v.), chiefly because of its top-handle and its lid. Another suggested derivation is that billy is shortened from <i>billycan</i>, which is said to be bully-can (sc. Fr. <i>bouili</i>). In the early days "<i>boeuf bouilli</i>" was a common label on tins of preserved meat in ship's stores. These tins, called "bully-tins," were used by diggers and others as the modern billy is (see quotation 1835). A third explanation gives as the origin the aboriginal word <i>billa</i> (river or water).
1835. T. B. Wilson, `Voyage Round the World,' p. 238:
"An empty preserved meat-canister serving the double purpose of tea-kettle and tea-pot."
[The word <i>billy</i> is not used, but its origin is described.]
1857. W. Howitt, `Tallangetta,' vol. i. p. 202:
"A tin pan bearing the familiar name of a billy."
1871 J. J. Simpson, `Recitations,' p. 5:
"He can't get a billy full for many a mile round."
1881. A. C. Grant, `Bush Life in Queensland,' vol. i. p. 41:
"A billy (that is a round tin pitcher with a lid) in his hand."