Definition

1. Noun:
   • A meal; the food served and eaten at one time: "Repast" refers to a specific instance of eating, encompassing the food consumed during that occasion. It is a formal or literary term for a meal.

Usage

• "Repast" is a formal noun used to describe a meal. It is more common in written English, literature, or formal announcements than in everyday conversation. It emphasizes the act of partaking in food or the food itself provided for a meal.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The wedding guests enjoyed a sumptuous repast in the grand hall.
  • After the long hike, we sat down to a simple but satisfying repast of bread and cheese.
  • The funeral was followed by a modest repast for close family.

Advanced Usage

• "Noontide repast": A literary way to refer to a midday meal (lunch).
  • The workers paused in the fields for their noontide repast.
• "To partake of a repast": A very formal phrase meaning to eat a meal.
  • The delegates partook of a formal repast before the negotiations.

Variants and Related Words

• Repast is typically used as a noun. There is no common verb form.
• Banquet (n): A large, elaborate meal for many people; a feast. (More celebratory than "repast").
• Feast (n): A large and special meal, often for a celebration. (Implies abundance and celebration).
• Collation (n): A light meal, often one served at an informal gathering. (Can be similar but often lighter).

Synonyms

• Meal: The most common and neutral synonym.
• Spread: Informal; implies a generous variety of food.
• Refection: A formal or archaic term for a meal, especially a light one.

Antonyms

• Fast: A period of abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink.
• Starvation: Suffering or death caused by lack of food.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A repast fit for a king": An idiom describing an exceptionally lavish and delicious meal.
  • The chef prepared a repast fit for a king for the state dinner.
• "Bare repast": A literary phrase meaning a very meager or simple meal.
  • The prisoners were given a bare repast of gruel and water.

Noun

1. the food served and eaten at one time