viand

[ vahy-uhnd ]

noun

1. an article of food.
2. viands, articles or dishes of food, now usually of a choice or delicate kind.

viand

/ ˈvaɪ-; ˈviːənd /

noun

1. a type of food, esp a delicacy
2. plural provisions

Word History and Origins

Origin of viand¹

1350–1400; Middle English viaunde < Middle French viande < Vulgar Latin *vīvanda, for Latin vīvenda things to be lived on, neuter plural gerund of vīvere to live

Word History and Origins

Origin of viand¹

C14: from Old French viande, ultimately from Latin vīvenda things to be lived on, from vīvere to live

Example Sentences

He crammed his rooms full of these viands.

From Literature

The viands at her table are perfectly served and chosen, though the wines, for which she cares little and which are selected by her butler, are less choice—according to the cigar-smoking gentlemen.

From The New Yorker

Sandwiched between the alternating banter and effusive complements between the two co-stars was the fact that Hugh Grant has a deep love-hate relationship with American viands — namely, Velveeta and Nathan’s hot dogs.

From Time

My mother carried the brown package to a clearing where several men, women and children sat underneath a blazing sun; some rested, tired from digging; others munched hungrily at dug-up sandwiches and other viands.

From Literature

“Prepare the viands, prepare the foods, prepare the strange wines, for tonight is indeed a great night!”

From Literature

Related Words

• bread
• cooking
• cuisine
• drink
• fare
• feed
• foodstuff
• meal
• meat
• snack