belly-timber
Noun (informal, archaic or humorous): - Food, considered as sustenance or provisions: "belly-timber" is a colloquial term for food, especially in the sense of something that fills the stomach and provides nourishment. It is a compound word formed from "belly" (stomach) and "timber" (wood or building material), metaphorically referring to food as fuel or building material for the body.
- (Food to satisfy their hunger.)
- (Simple, filling meals.)
- (Provisions or food.)
"to seek belly-timber": to look for food, especially in a rustic or urgent manner.
- The weary wanderer sought belly-timber in the village market. (He looked for food to eat.)
"to provide belly-timber": to supply food, often in a generous or basic way.
- The farmer's wife provided belly-timber to all the harvest workers. (She served them a meal.)
Belly (noun): the stomach or abdomen.
- His belly was full after the feast. (His stomach was satisfied.)
Timber (noun): wood used for building; also, a metaphorical term for material or substance.
- The ship was built from strong timber. (Wood for construction.)
Bellyful (noun): an amount that fills the stomach; also, more than enough (often of something unpleasant).
- He had a bellyful of complaints. (He had more than enough complaints.)
- Victuals: food or provisions, especially for travellers.
- Sustenance: nourishment that maintains life.
- Grub (informal): food, especially simple or hearty fare.
- Provisions: supplies of food and drink.
"Belly up to the bar": to approach a bar or counter to eat or drink.
- The cowboys bellied up to the bar for some belly-timber. (They approached the bar to order food.)
"A full belly makes a dull head": a proverb meaning overeating can make one sluggish.
- He ate so much belly-timber that he could not think clearly. (Overeating caused drowsiness.)