Beginger

/bɪˈɡɪn.dʒər/ verb

Definition

To season or flavor with ginger; to make spicy with ginger (archaic or rare).

Etymology

From 'be-' (causative prefix) + 'ginger' (from Old French 'gingibre,' from Sanskrit 'śṛṅgavera'). A parallel formation to other 'be-' verbs meaning to apply or treat with something.

Kelly Says

Spice was so exotic and precious in medieval times that verbs were created for using it—'begingering' a dish meant you were fancy and wealthy. Now these words are gone, but they show how language tracked cultural values.

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