lefse

American  

[lef-suh] / ˈlɛf sə /

noun

1. a round Norwegian flatbread resembling a tortilla, made with mashed potatoes and flour.

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Etymology

Origin of lefse

First recorded in 1980–85; from Norwegian, a derivative of leiv “slice of bread, flatbread, pancake,” from Old Norse hleifr “bread, loaf,” from Germanic hlaibaz; see loaf ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Most of my Norwegian associations were through my great-aunt Corinne Bonde Ackley, a matriarch of my family, who prepared lefse, meatballs and gravy, lutefisk and other traditional Norwegian fare for every holiday.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2018

In one exhibit, a replica of a 400-year-old house, two women in medieval dress prepared the tasty Norwegian flatbread called hardanger lefse.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2018

SAT Scandinavian culture and traditions displays and demonstrations, lefse, Swedish weaving, woodworking, krumkaker baking, hardanger embroidery, rosemaling, bake sale, lunch includes Scandinavian foods, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 15, 2014

There will be lefse to eat and to buy, and teams are invited to sign up for the lefse competition, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2013

Every evening, it seems, Mr. Nielsen brings something home from a customer: a dozen eggs, soft Norwegian flatbread called lefse, a long knitted scarf.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline