Repast

Repast is a noun meaning a meal, especially a main or substantial one, or the act of eating. It is used most often in formal, historical, or literary contexts and is less common in everyday speech. As a verb, repast is archaic or literary and means to provide with food or to partake of a meal; for example, “to repast after the long journey” or “they repasted in the hall.”

Etymology: The word comes from Old French repas, meaning “meal,” and was adopted into English in the Middle Ages. It is related to terms for meals in other Romance languages and persists primarily in historical or literary usage.

Usage: In modern writing, repast often appears in descriptions of historical settings, ceremonial occasions, or religious narratives. It can describe a simple meal or a more formal banquet, depending on context. While still recognized, it is largely stylistic rather than everyday vocabulary. Common phrases include “took a repast,” “after the repast,” or “the repast was served in the hall,” though these constructions are more common in older texts than in contemporary prose.