The spelling of the word "pease" may seem strange to modern English speakers, but it was the standard spelling for "peas" until the 18th century. In fact, the nursery rhyme "Pease Porridge Hot" was originally written with this spelling. The reason for this unusual spelling is due to the Old English word "pise" from which "peas" derives. The IPA phonetic transcription for "pease" is /piːz/, which emphasizes the long "ee" sound and the soft "s" sound at the end.
Pease is a noun that refers to a type of legume commonly known as the pea, specifically when it is in its dried form. It is also used in the plural form, peas.
Pease is a member of the Fabaceae family and belongs to the Pisum genus. The plants usually have tendrils and bear small, round seed pods that contain several round or wrinkled seeds, commonly known as peas. These seeds are often removed from the pods, dried, and used as a food source.
Pease has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, appreciated for its high protein content and versatile culinary uses. It can be consumed in various forms, such as boiled, steamed, mashed, or pureed, and is frequently added to soups, stews, or salads. In addition to its nutritional value, peas are also valued for their vibrant green color, which adds visual appeal to dishes.
The term "pease" is derived from the Old English word "pisu" and Middle English "pese," ultimately originating from the Latin word "pisa." Over time, the word "peas" has become more commonly used in modern English to refer to both the fresh and dried legume, while "pease" is used less frequently or in specific contexts.
In conclusion, pease is a noun that describes the dried form of a plant called the pea, which refers to the seeds of the plant when harvested and dried.
• When quantity is meant, as a dish of pease.
• Pease-meal. Note.—The roots show that pease is the proper spelling, and that s is part of the original word; pea in the singular is a modern corruption, on the supposition that the se of pease belonged to the plural form-the old plural was piosan or peason.
• See under pea.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pease" comes from Middle English "pese", which was derived from Old English "pīse". Old English pīse eventually traces back to Proto-Germanic *pīsōną, which meant "pulse" or "pea". The term "pease" was commonly used in Middle English as a singular noun, whereas "peasen" referred to the plural form. However, over time, "peasen" was dropped, and "pease" came to be used as both singular and plural, eventually leading to the modern usage of "peas".