Poached

/poʊtʃt/ verb, adjective

Definition

Cooked in gently simmering liquid, or illegally hunted or taken without permission.

Etymology

From Old French 'pochier' meaning to thrust or push into a pocket; cooking poached eggs created the pouchy appearance. The illegal hunting meaning came later from poachers 'pocketing' game.

Kelly Says

Poached eggs and poached elephants come from the same word root about putting something into a pocket or hidden place—showing how one cooking action inspired a whole vocabulary around theft.

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