VARENNE Meaning and
Definition
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Varenne is a term that can have multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to a place, a person's name, or a culinary term.
As a place, Varenne is often associated with a river or stream. It is derived from the Old French word "varenne," which means a hunting reserve or game park. In this context, it typically denotes a rural area or district with abundant vegetation and wildlife. The word is often used in place names, such as La Varenne, a commune in France.
Varenne can also function as a surname, particularly in French-speaking regions. Used in this way, it indicates someone's family name and does not have a specific definition beyond its association with individuals.
In the culinary realm, Varenne refers to a specific cooking technique. It is named after François Pierre de la Varenne, a French chef who played a significant role in defining and codifying French cuisine during the 17th century. As a culinary term, "à la Varenne" indicates a mode of preparation that involves cooking meat, vegetables, or other ingredients in broth, then finishing them in a separate sauce. This technique is often associated with the creation of velouté, a type of sauce made from a light broth thickened with butter and flour.
Overall, varenne can refer to a place, a surname, or a cooking technique, depending on the context in which it is used.
Etymology of VARENNE
The word "varenne" originates from Old French, specifically from the noun "verne" which means "alder tree". It is derived from the Latin word "viburnum", referring to a specific type of elder tree. Over time, the word "verne" took on a more general meaning, referring to a wooded area or a hunting ground. In the Middle Ages, the term "varenne" emerged as an alternative spelling, and it was used to denote a park or enclosed area for hunting. This later evolved to encompass the English word "warren", which refers to an enclosed area for keeping small game animals such as rabbits.
