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Trencher: meaning, definitions and examples

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trencher

 

[ ˈtrɛntʃər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

dining

A wooden platter used for serving food, especially in medieval times. Trenchers were often made of stale bread that soaked up the juices from the food.

Synonyms

plate, platter, tray.

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Word Description / Examples
trencher

Used historically to refer to a thick slice of bread or a wooden board on which food was served. Modern usage is rare and mainly found in historical or medieval contexts.

  • At the medieval feast, guests ate from trenchers rather than plates.
  • The bread trencher absorbed the juices of the roast.
platter

A larger dish typically used to serve food to groups, often seen in family-style dining or at buffets. It can also be used for presenting elaborate dishes, especially on special occasions.

  • The waiter brought a large platter of assorted cheeses and fruits.
  • They served the Thanksgiving turkey on a big silver platter.
plate

Commonly used in everyday settings to serve individual portions of food. Suitable for casual meals, family dinners, and formal dining.

  • She set the table with plates and cutlery for the dinner party.
  • Each kid had their own plate of spaghetti.
tray

Used to carry or organize multiple items, often including food and drinks. Commonly used in catering, restaurants, and for serving breakfast in bed.

  • The nurse brought in the patient's meal on a tray.
  • He balanced the tray of drinks carefully as he walked through the crowded room.

Examples of usage

  • Trenchers were commonly used instead of plates in the Middle Ages.
  • After the meal, the trenchers would be given to the poor as food.
  • The knight ate his meal off a large wooden trencher.
  • The trencher was filled with meat and gravy.
  • She placed the roast on the trencher.

Translations

Translations of the word "trencher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 valetadeira

🇮🇳 खाई खोदने वाला

🇩🇪 Grabenfräse

🇮🇩 penggali parit

🇺🇦 траншеєкопач

🇵🇱 koparka do rowów

🇯🇵 トレンチャー

🇫🇷 trancheuse

🇪🇸 zanjadora

🇹🇷 hendek kazıcı

🇰🇷 트렌처

🇸🇦 حفار الخنادق

🇨🇿 výkopový stroj

🇸🇰 ryhár

🇨🇳 开槽机

🇸🇮 jarek

🇮🇸 skurðgröftur

🇰🇿 траншея қазғыш

🇬🇪 ტრანშეა

🇦🇿 xəndək qazma maşını

🇲🇽 zanjadora

Etymology

The word 'trencher' originated from the Old French word 'trenchier', which means 'to cut'. In medieval times, trenchers were commonly used as plates for serving food. They were often made of stale bread to absorb the juices from the food. Trenchers were also given to the poor after the meal as a form of charity. Over time, the use of trenchers declined as plates and platters became more common in dining.

See also: trench.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,107 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.