Word of the Day : May 13, 2019

regale \rih-GAIL\ verb

Definition

1 : to entertain sumptuously : to feast with delicacies

2 : to give pleasure or amusement to

3 : to feast oneself : feed

Did You Know?

Regale has been an English verb since the early half of the 1600s; it was adapted from French régaler, which has the same meaning as regale. The French verb traces back to Middle French galer, which means "to have a good time," and, ultimately, to gale, meaning "pleasure." (Gala, meaning "a festive celebration," is from the same source.) Regale also has a history as a noun meaning "a sumptuous feast." Early use of the noun appears in a 1670 notice: "My Lord Duke will not be able to get away yet…, all the regales that are intended for him not being yet at an end." (The man referred to is the Duke of Buccleuch, whose regales ended once and for all 15 years later when he was beheaded.)

Aired May 13, 2019

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