Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A small part of the contents of a dish which well-mannered guests leave, in order that the host or hostess may not feel suspected of having made inadequate provision.

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  • (noun) - (1) A portion of a dish left by the guests, that the host may not feel himself reproached for insufficient preparation. --Joseph Hunter's Hallamshire Glossary, 1829 (2) A morsel left in a dish to avoid the imputation of greediness. --T. Ellwood Zell's Popular Encyclopedia, 1871

    April 23, 2018