Junket

/ˈdʒʌŋkɪt/ noun

Definition

A sweet custard-like dessert, or a pleasure trip taken at public expense by an official, often implying unnecessary luxury.

Etymology

From Old French 'jonquette,' originally referred to a basket made of rushes ('jonc'), then to the sweet dish served in such baskets, then extended to mean any indulgent trip.

Kelly Says

The food and the political trip share the same word because in the 1600s, officials on 'pleasure junkets' would enjoy elaborate sweet courses—the luxury dessert and luxury trip became linguistically linked.

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