Definition

1. Noun:

   • The backbone or spine of an animal: The "chine" refers specifically to the vertebral column or spine of a creature.
   • A cut of meat or fish including the backbone: In butchery and cooking, a "chine" is a joint or section of meat, especially from the back of an animal or fish, that includes part or all of the backbone.

2. Verb:

   • To cut through the backbone: To "chine" means to sever or cut through the spinal column of an animal, typically during the process of butchering.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The butcher removed the chine to prepare the rack of lamb.
  • For a more flavorful stock, use a fish chine with the bones.

• Verb:

  • You need to chine the carcass carefully before dividing it into primal cuts.

Advanced Usage

• "To leave the chine in": A culinary instruction meaning to leave the backbone attached to a cut of meat, often to help it hold its shape during roasting.
  • For a traditional crown roast, the butcher will leave the chine in.

Variants and Related Words

• Chined (adj): Describing a cut of meat from which the backbone has been removed.
  • A chined roast is easier to carve.

Synonyms

• Noun: Spine, backbone, vertebral column.
• Verb: Sever the spine, split the backbone.

Related Phrases

• Chine bone: Another term for the backbone or spine, especially when referring to it as part of a cut of meat.

Noun

1. backbone of an animal
2. cut of meat or fish including at least part of the backbone

Verb

1. cut through the backbone of an animal