Word of the Day, January 30: ‘Repast’

Word of the day: REPAST
Pronunciation; re·past UK/rɪˈpɑːst/  and  US/rɪˈpæst/

Meaning:
A repast is a meal, especially one that is formal, shared, or leisurely rather than quick or casual. It often implies sitting down to eat with others.

Origin and History:

• "Repast", meaning a meal or the act of eating, originates from Latin and Old French roots, stemming from repascere ("to feed again") and pascere ("to feed"), entering Middle English around the 14th century as a term for a feast or nourishment. While used generally for any meal, its most common modern association is with funeral repasts—gatherings for food and fellowship after memorial services, providing comfort and shared remembrance, a practice rooted in ancient traditions of communal sustenance and support during grief.
• In the Middle Ages, it meant any meal or feast and was also used as a verb meaning "to eat" or "to feast".
• The term's strong association with post-funeral gatherings is a significant development, though the practice itself is ancient.
• These gatherings offer a space for mourners to support each other, share memories, and transition from grief to healing through shared food and fellowship, often in homes, churches, or funeral homes.
• Though less common for everyday meals now, "repast" remains a poignant word for these gatherings, symbolising community, comfort, and honouring the deceased.

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Cultural significance and modern usage:

• In mediaeval Europe, a repast was often a social event, reflecting status, hospitality, and community bonding.
• In religious and ceremonial contexts, the word still carries weight—used for funeral meals, memorial gatherings, or formal banquets.
• Literature often uses repast to suggest ritual, reflection, or emotional depth, rather than mere eating.
• Today, 'repast' is considered formal or literary and is less common in everyday conversation.

Interesting facts:

• Repast once applied to mental nourishment as well, books, music, or ideas could be a “repast for the mind”.
• Repast appears frequently in classic English literature, including works by Shakespeare and Victorian authors.
• Unlike a meal, a repast emphasises the experience and atmosphere, not just the food.

Examples from literature:

“A delightful repast, delicately prepared and elegantly served,” he announced to no one in particular.- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

When the repast was over, and everyone had pretty much left, even Mr. Ray, I helped her pack the food up and waited with her outside for a cab.- The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

The cook, placed upon her mettle, served a delicious repast—a luscious tenderloin broiled k point The wine tasted good; the marron glac£ seemed to be just what she wanted.-The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Synonyms:

• Meal
• Menu
• Dinner
• Feed

Antonyms:

• Diet
• Fast

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