Dejeune

/dəˈʒɜn/ noun

Definition

A light meal or breakfast, particularly in French cuisine.

Etymology

From French 'déjeuner' (breakfast/lunch), derived from Old French 'dis-' (un-) and 'jeûner' (to fast), literally meaning 'to break a fast.' The term entered English through contact with French culinary traditions.

Kelly Says

The word literally means 'to break a fast,' just like 'breakfast' does in English—both languages independently created the same metaphor for the morning meal, showing how humans everywhere use fasting language for eating.

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