brewis

American  

[broo-is, brooz] / ˈbru ɪs, bruz /

noun

Newfoundland.

1. hard bread soaked in water and then boiled.

2. such bread, with pieces of fish added, served as a meal.

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brewis British  

/ ˈbruːɪs, ˈbrɛvɪs /

noun

1. bread soaked in broth, gravy, etc

2. thickened broth

3. a Newfoundland stew of cod or pork, hardtack, and potatoes

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Etymology

Origin of brewis

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier brewz, brewes, apparently blend of bree “broth, juice” ( Middle English bre, unattested Old English brēo, variant of brīw; brei ) and browes, Middle English broys “broth, soup,” Old French broez (nominative), broet (accusative), equivalent to bro (from Old High German brod broth ) + -et -et

Example Sentences

We have all been hungry and we have all hoped; but few of us, I fancy, being faint of hunger—and dyspeptic—have sat down to a bowl of brewis.

From Every Man for Himself by Duncan, Norman

I have had my first, and I may add my last, experience of "brewis," an indeterminate concoction much in favour as an article of diet on this coast.

From Le Petit Nord or, Annals of a Labrador Harbour by Grenfell, Wilfred Thomason, Sir

Nokka brewis goo, honowin nudwag moonoo shugh kawmun menjeis.

From The Wit of Women Fourth Edition by Sanborn, Kate

Then—that Monday morning—we had brewis to make, a little buttered toast to do, and some eggs to scramble.

From We Girls: a Home Story by Whitney, A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train)

He resented the peculiarity of brewis in his particular case.

From Every Man for Himself by Duncan, Norman