TRENCHER Meaning and
Definition
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A trencher is a noun that refers to a shallow wooden or earthenware platter used in medieval times as a base or receptacle for food. Traditionally, it was made of bread that was sliced or hollowed out to create a vessel-like shape. The term "trencher" originated in Middle English and is derived from the Old French word "tranchier," which means to cut.
In the Middle Ages, trenchers served both functional and decorative purposes. They were primarily used as a disposable alternative to plates or bowls, often used at feasts or banquets. Food would be placed directly on top of the trencher, such as roasted meat, vegetables, or stews. The bread trencher absorbed juices and flavors from the food, enhancing the overall taste. At the end of the meal, the trencher was either consumed or given to the poor.
Over time, trenchers evolved, becoming more elaborate and stylish. Wealthy households would use trenchers made from precious materials like silver or gold. These extravagant trenchers were often adorned with intricate engravings or decorative patterns.
Today, the term "trencher" is rarely used to describe a food vessel. Instead, it is more commonly associated with a specialized construction tool used for digging trenches. Nevertheless, the historical significance of trenchers contributes to our understanding of medieval dining practices and culinary traditions.
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One who cuts trenches; a wooden plate on which meat may be cut or carved; the table itself; food.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TRENCHER
Etymology of TRENCHER
The word "trencher" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Middle English word "trenchour", which came from the Old French word "trenchier" meaning "to cut". This Old French term was derived from the vulgar Latin word "trinicare", which meant "to cut in three".
Originally, a "trencher" referred to a wooden platter or board on which food was served during medieval times. The word was used to describe the practice of cutting meat or other foods into manageable pieces on the "trencher" before serving or eating. These platters evolved from simple pieces of bread used as plates in ancient times.
Over time, the word "trencher" transformed to refer to the vessel or plate itself, rather than the act of cutting.
Similar spelling words for TRENCHER
- transcript,
- trenchant,
- transferase,
- trencherman,
- trenchantly,
- trench,
- transferer,
- Transue,
- trenchancy,
- truancy,
- trinectes,
- trench coat,
- Trinkle,
- trance,
- transcend,
- tranche,
- trench foot,
- transdermal,
- transcriber,
- transferral,
- terence,
- transfer,
- transcribe,
- trinucleate,
- trinuclear,
- transferrin,
- truncheon,
- transferrer,
- transversus,
- transversal,
- trenchfoot,
- trounce,
- transferee,
- transferor,
- transdermic,
- transverse,
- transcribed.
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