repast

American  

[ri-past, -pahst, ree-past, -pahst, ri-past, -pahst] / rɪˈpæst, -ˈpɑst, ˈri pæst, -pɑst, rɪˈpæst, -ˈpɑst /

noun

1. a quantity of food taken or provided for one occasion of eating.

   to eat a light repast.

2. a meal.

   the evening repast.

3. the time during which a meal is eaten; mealtime.

4. Archaic. the taking of food, as at a meal.

5. Obsolete. food.

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verb (used without object)

1. to eat or feast (often followed by on orupon ).

repast British  

/ rɪˈpɑːst /

noun

1. a meal or the food provided at a meal

   a light repast

2. archaic

   1. food in general; nourishment

   2. the act of taking food or refreshment

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verb

1. archaic (intr) to feed (on)

Etymology

Origin of repast

1300–50; Middle English (noun) < Old French, derivative (compare past < Latin pāstus fodder) of repaistre to eat a meal < Late Latin repāscere to feed regularly, equivalent to Latin re- re- + pāscere to feed ( pasture )

Example Sentences

Brunch was known as "the latest 'fad'" and "a repast at 11 o'clock a.m."

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2023

Brothers and ZuCot Gallery managing partners Onaje and Omari Henderson said people coming to see the exhibit won’t feel like they are “going into a repast after a funeral.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2022

That allowed him to pay back rent, rehire a few employees and continue furnishing what he regarded as a sort of daily Thanksgiving repast for those in need.

From Washington Post • Nov. 24, 2021

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service and a repast.

From Washington Times • Nov. 16, 2021

Summoning Mary, I soon had the room in more cheerful order: I prepared him, likewise, a comfortable repast.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë