repast
UK/rɪˈpɑːst/US/rɪˈpæst/
n
a meal
Morpheme Breakdown
re
past
re
again
past
food
Etymology
the word repast entered english in the 14th century from old french 'repast', meaning 'a meal'. the old french term derived from the latin verb 'repascere', which is a combination of the prefix 're-' (again) and 'pascere' (to feed). the core latin root 'pascere' is linked to the notion of pasturing or grazing, and it ultimately traces back to the proto-indo-european root pa- (to protect, feed). thus, the literal sense of 'feeding again' evolved into the general and more abstract modern meaning of any meal, a time of taking food.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + past (food)
re- (latin prefix, meaning 'again'); past (from latin 'pastus', meaning 'food, nourishment')
Examples
we enjoyed a light repast of bread and cheese in the garden.
the weary travelers were grateful for the simple repast offered by the innkeeper.
after the ceremony, a grand repast was served to all the guests.