Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To entertain or provide with something enjoyable, especially abundant or choice food and drink: To give someone great pleasure by offering generous hospitality, typically involving a feast or special treats.
   • To delight or entertain someone with something: To amuse or please someone by telling stories, sharing news, or providing other forms of entertainment.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (transitive):
  • The host regaled his guests with a magnificent seven-course meal.
  • She regaled the children with tales of her adventures in the jungle.
  • He was regaled with the finest wines from the cellar.

Advanced Usage

• "to regale someone with something": This is the most common construction, where the object of the verb is the person being entertained, and "with" introduces the source of the entertainment (e.g., food, stories, music).
  • The grandfather regaled the family with stories from his youth.
• Reflexive use ("to regale oneself"): To enjoy something pleasurable, especially food or drink, to the full.
  • After the long hike, they regaled themselves with a hearty picnic.

Variants and Related Words

• Regalement (noun): The act of regaling or the thing that regales; entertainment or a feast.
  • The evening was a regalement of music and fine cuisine.
• Regaler (noun): A person who regales others.

Synonyms

• Feast: To partake of a rich and abundant meal; to treat generously.
• Entertain: To provide amusement or enjoyment.
• Treat: To provide someone with food, drink, or entertainment at one's own expense.
• Pamper: To indulge with every comfort or pleasure.

Related Phrases

• "to regale the ears": To delight with pleasing sounds or music.
  • The orchestra regaled the audience's ears with a beautiful symphony.
• "to regale the eyes": To delight with a beautiful sight.
  • The art exhibition regaled our eyes with stunning paintings.

Notes on Meaning

The verb "regale" often implies a sense of lavishness, generosity, and pleasure. While its most traditional and frequent use involves providing food and drink, it is equally correct and common to use it for providing non-culinary entertainment, such as stories or music. The tone can be neutral, positive, or slightly ironic, depending on context.

Verb

1. provide with choice or abundant food or drink
   • Don't worry about the expensive wine--I'm treating
   • She treated her houseguests with good food every night