Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

regale

[ri-geyl]
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), re·galed, re·gal·ing.
  1. to entertain lavishly or agreeably; delight.
  2. to entertain with choice food or drink.
verb (used without object), re·galed, re·gal·ing.
  1. to feast.
noun
  1. a sumptuous feast.
  2. a choice article of food or drink.
  3. refreshment.

Origin of regale

1650–60; < French régaler, derivative of régal(e), Old French rigale, derivative of gale festivity (with prefix of rigoler to amuse oneself), derivative of galer to make merry; see gallant
Related formsre·gale·ment, nounre·gal·er, nounun·re·galed, adjective
Can be confusedregal regale regalia
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for regalement

Historical Examples

  • Matilda's charming company and conversation was his regalement.

    Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland

    Various

  • For the regalement of my inside the preparations had been lavish.

  • Yes, I'd really take it as a pastime and regalement if you boys would go along too.'

  • More, she fed him, and her last drop of new milk and her last and tenderest morsel of meat were reserved for his regalement.

British Dictionary definitions for regalement

regale

verb (tr usually foll by with)
  1. to give delight or amusement tohe regaled them with stories of his youth
  2. to provide with choice or abundant food or drink
noun
  1. archaic
    1. a feast
    2. a delicacy of food or drink
Derived Formsregalement, noun

Word Origin

C17: from French régaler, from gale pleasure; related to Middle Dutch wale riches; see also gala
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for regalement

regale

v.

"entertain splendidly," 1650s, from French régaler "to entertain or feast," from Old French regale, rigale, from gale "merriment," from galer "make merry" (see gallant (adj.)). Influenced in Old French by se rigoler "amuse oneself, rejoice," of unknown origin. Italian regalo is from French. Related: Regaled; regaling.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper