victuel

Victual refers to food or provisions. It is a term often used to describe supplies of food and drink, especially for a journey or a group of people. The word originates from the Old French word "vituailles," meaning provisions or victuals. Historically, victuals were essential for seafaring voyages, military campaigns, and maintaining households. The term encompasses a wide range of edible items, from basic staples to more prepared foods. In modern usage, while less common than "food" or "provisions," "victual" can still be found in certain contexts, sometimes carrying a slightly archaic or formal connotation. It might appear in historical texts, literature, or in discussions about historical food supplies. The act of obtaining or preparing victuals is sometimes referred to as victualing, as in victualing a ship or a garrison.