The process of arranging pages in correct order, or a light meal (especially in religious contexts).
From Latin 'collatio' (comparison, collection). The word developed a secondary meaning in monasteries where monks would share a light meal while reading texts aloud to each other—the 'readings' and the 'meal' became connected concepts.
In medieval monasteries, 'collation' meant both checking manuscripts AND eating a simple meal together—because monks would often do both at the same time, munching on bread while verifying texts. That's why the word stuck around for both activities.
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