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

See Examples For:

brewis

That is called a brewis, my dear; suppose we give it to our pampered family here some day, and see what they say.

From Hildegarde's Neighbors by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards

Then—that Monday morning—we had brewis to make, a little buttered toast to do, and some eggs to scramble.

From We Girls: a Home Story by A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train) Whitney

“An they’re at table, lad, with fish an’ brewis sot out, I’m sure t’ cotch the maid within.”

From The Cruise of the Shining Light by Norman Duncan

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 Lydia Maria Francis Child

He resented the peculiarity of brewis in his particular case.

From Every Man for Himself by Norman Duncan