brewis

American  

[broo-is, brooz] / ˈbru ɪs, bruz /

noun

Newfoundland.

1. hard bread soaked in water and then boiled.

2. such bread, with pieces of fish added, served as a meal.

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brewis British  

/ ˈbruːɪs, ˈbrɛvɪs /

noun

1. bread soaked in broth, gravy, etc

2. thickened broth

3. a Newfoundland stew of cod or pork, hardtack, and potatoes

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Etymology

Origin of brewis

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier brewz, brewes, apparently blend of bree “broth, juice” ( Middle English bre, unattested Old English brēo, variant of brīw; cf. brei) and browes, Middle English broys “broth, soup,” Old French broez (nominative), broet (accusative), equivalent to bro (from Old High German brod broth ) + -et -et

Example Sentences

If, by any mishap, bread has soured a little, make into water toast or brewis, adding a teaspoonful of soda to the water or milk.

From The Easiest Way in Housekeeping and Cooking Adapted to Domestic Use or Study in Classes by Campbell, Helen

In an early letter to you I recall judging harshly a concoction called "brewis."

From Le Petit Nord or, Annals of a Labrador Harbour by Grenfell, Wilfred Thomason, Sir

Then made they ready store of carbonadoes, or rashers on the coals, and good fat soups, or brewis with sippets; and the monk drank what he pleased.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 1 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

But he is to be forgiven, surely; for he wished most earnestly that he might eat brewis and live—just as you and I might have done.

From Every Man for Himself by Duncan, Norman

Spread those that are not eaten, and let them dry, to be pounded for puddings, or soaked for brewis.

From The American Frugal Housewife by Child, Lydia Maria Francis