[awr durv; Fr. awr dœ-vruh ] 
[awr durvz; Fr. awr dœ-vruh ] . | 1. | a small bit of appetizing food, as spicy meat, fish, cheese, or a preparation of chopped or creamed foods, often served on crackers or small pieces of toast, for eating at cocktail parties or other gatherings where drinks are served with no other food. |
| 2. | an appetizer, as a relish or more elaborate preparation, served before or as the first course of a meal. |
| hors d'oeuvre (ôr dûrv') n. pl. hors d'oeuvres (ôr dûrvz') or hors d'oeuvre An appetizer served before a meal. [French hors d'ɶuvre : hors, outside + de, of + ɶuvre, (the main) work.] |