Victualed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Derived from the Latin word 'victus', meaning 'food' or 'nourishment'.
• The word has been used since the 14th century, mostly by travelers and sailors.
• In Middle English, it appeared as 'victual', showing how language evolves over time.

Historical Context

• During the Age of Exploration, ships were often victualed to ensure crews had enough to eat on long voyages.
• In the military, ensuring troops are victualed is crucial for maintaining morale and effectiveness.
• The term can be found in old maritime logs, detailing provisions for sailors.

Literature

• Popular in works of Shakespeare, highlighting the importance of food in daily life.
• Charles Dickens often used the term when describing the lives of the poor and their struggles for basic nourishment.
• The word appears in many historical novels, reflecting the importance of provisions in different eras.

Culinary Arts

• Victualing is essential in planning large events, such as weddings or festivals, where food needs to be catered for many.
• The concept of victualing inspired the development of meal prep in modern households, focusing on efficiency.
• Throughout history, the way food is victualed has evolved, from hunting and gathering to grocery stores today.

Pop Culture

• The term often finds a place in historical documentaries, often discussing food supply chains.
• In films set in wartime, von victualing is a frequent plot point emphasizing survival during shortages.
• Video games centered around survival frequently incorporate the idea of victualing as players must gather and manage food resources.