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regale

 - 7 dictionary results

re⋅gale

[ri-geyl] verb, -galed, -gal⋅ing, noun
–verb (used with object)
1. to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight.
2. to entertain with choice food or drink.
–verb (used without object)
3. to feast.
–noun
4. a sumptuous feast.
5. a choice article of food or drink.
6. refreshment.

Origin:
1650–60; < F régaler, deriv. of régal(e), OF rigale, deriv. of gale festivity (with prefix of rigoler to amuse oneself), deriv. of galer to make merry; see gallant


re⋅gale⋅ment, noun
re⋅gal⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To regale
re·gale   (rĭ-gāl')   
v.   re·galed, re·gal·ing, re·gales

v.   tr.
  1. To provide with great enjoyment; entertain. See Synonyms at amuse.

  2. To entertain sumptuously with food and drink; provide a feast for.

v.   intr.
To feast.
n.  
  1. A great feast.

  2. A choice food; a delicacy.

  3. Refreshment.


[French régaler, from Old French regal, feast, from gale (influenced by se rigoler, to amuse oneself), from galer, to make merry.]
re·gale'ment n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Main Entry:  regale1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a sumptuous feast; a choice food
Etymology:  Middle French re- + galer 'to have a good time'
Main Entry:  regale1
Part of Speech:  v
Definition:  to entertain with sumptuous food and drink
Etymology:  Middle French re- + galer 'to have a good time'
Usage:  transitive
Main Entry:  regale2
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  the rights and privileges of royalty
Etymology:  Middle French re- + galer 'to have a good time'
Main Entry:  regale2
Part of Speech:  v
Definition:  to offer pleasure or amusement to
Etymology:  Middle French re- + galer 'to have a good time'
Usage:  transitive
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Word Origin & History

regale 
1656, from Fr. régaler "to entertain or feast," from O.Fr. rigale, from gale "merriment," from galer "make merry" (see gallant). Influenced in O.Fr. by se rigoler "amuse oneself, rejoice," of unknown origin. It. regalo is from Fr.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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