regale

Regale is an English verb meaning to entertain lavishly or to supply with excellent food and drink; it can also mean to amuse with stories or other pleasures. It is typically transitive, as in the host regaled the guests with a lavish feast, or she regaled us with tales of her travels. The sense can be extended metaphorically to delight someone with something pleasant, such as a performance or an account.

Etymology: Regale comes from Old French regaler, meaning to provide with food or to entertain, itself from Latin regalis meaning royal. The English verb was borrowed in the medieval period. The usual pronunciation is ri-GAYL.

Usage notes: Regale is more formal or literary than everyday verbs like entertain or feed. It often implies generosity and abundance, and is commonly followed by with or on: regale someone with something; regale someone on something is also attested. The noun form regale is rare and archaic, referring to royal feast or entertainment.

See also: regal; regalement.