Pronunciation: [ˌʌndˈɜːn] (IPA) 
The word "Undern" is an archaic term used to refer to the early morning hours before dawn. It can also refer to a morning meal. The spelling of this word is derived from Middle English "underne," which in turn comes from Old English "undern." Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈʌndərn/. The spelling of this word reflects the historical development of the English language and can be of interest to language enthusiasts and historians.
Undern is an archaic term that originated from the Old English language. It is a noun that refers to the mid-morning meal or snack, also known as a brunch or second breakfast that is consumed around 10 am. However, undern is specifically associated with the medieval times when daily meals were divided into distinctive periods.
Etymologically, "undern" is derived from the Old English word "underne," meaning "between" or "between meals." It was a meal taken in the interval between the first meal called "morgenmete" (morning meal) and the noon meal called "noonmete" (midday meal). Undern often comprised lighter fare, such as bread, cheese, fruits, or leftovers from the previous night's dinner.
During the medieval era, where life was rhythmically structured around prayer times and labor, undern served as a revitalizing break to keep energy levels sustained until the main meal at noon. It offered a moment to replenish one's strength and nourish the body during the long working hours, particularly for those engaged in physically demanding activities or agricultural work.
Today, the term "undern" has fallen out of use and is rarely employed. However, it offers a glimpse into the historical dining practices of our ancestors, showcasing how meal times were spaced and the significance of taking a brief respite for sustenance during this particular period of the day.
The word "Undern" has Old English origins. It comes from the combination of two Old English words: "under" meaning "beneath" or "below", and "ærn" meaning "a revelation" or "a message". In Old English, "Undern" referred to the period of time between sunrise and mid-morning, generally considered to be around 9:00 am. The term was used to divide the day into segments, similar to "morning" or "afternoon" in modern English. Over time, the word became less common and eventually disappeared from everyday usage.
