viand

noun

vi·​and ˈvī-ənd 

1

: an item of food

especially : a choice or tasty dish

2

viands plural : provisions, food

Did you know?

Are you someone who eats to live, or someone who lives to eat? Either way, you'll find that the etymology of viand reflects the close link between food and life. Viand was borrowed into English in the 15th century from the Anglo-French viaunde or viande (viande, meaning "meat," is still found in modern French usage). The Anglo-French viaunde derives ultimately from the Medieval Latin vivanda ("food"), an alteration of vivendus, a participial form of the verb vivere, meaning "to live." Vivere is the ancestor of a number of other lively and life-giving words in English, including victual, revive, survive, convivial, and vivacious.

Synonyms

• bit
• cate [archaic]
• dainty
• delectable
• delicacy
• goody
• goodie
• kickshaw
• tidbit
• titbit
• treat

Examples of viand in a Sentence

a shop selling caviar, foie gras, designer chocolates, and other pricey viands

the inn serves its choice viands on delicate china and its selection of vintage wines in the finest crystal available

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, viaunde, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin vivanda food, alteration of Latin vivenda, neuter plural of vivendus, gerundive of vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

viand

noun

vi·​and ˈvī-ənd 

1

: an article of food

2

plural : food supplies