victuals

Victuals, n. pl.

Etymology: [OE. vitaille, OF. vitaille, F. victuaille, pl. victuailles, fr. L. victualia, pl. of. victualis belonging to living or nourishment, fr. victus nourishment, from vivere, victum, to live; akin to vivus living. See Vivid.]

Food for human beings, esp. when it is cooked or prepared for the table; that which supports human life; provisions; sustenance; meat; viands. Then had we plenty of victuals. Jer. xliv. 17.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for victuals; he lists it under food.

Where he writes about it:

Victuals is a plain, homely word for whatever may be eaten; we speak of choice viands, cold victuals. — from food

Synonyms

food aliment diet fare feed fodder forage nourishment nutriment nutrition pabulum provender regimen sustenance viands

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online