SINCE 1828

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gambrel

noun gam·brel \ ˈgam-brəl \

Definition of gambrel

: a stick or iron for suspending slaughtered animals

Origin and Etymology of gambrel

probably borrowed from Middle French (Norman) *gamberel, *gambereau (attested only in plural gambereaulx) "kind of pole or fork used by butchers," apparently re-formation or derivative of gambier, jambier "piece of wood used to keep the legs of a slaughtered animal separate," from gambe, jambe "leg" + -ier ²-er — more at jamb

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1547

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

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