messmate

American  

[mes-meyt] / ˈmɛsˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a person, especially a friend, who is a member of a group regularly taking meals together, as in an army camp.

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messmate British  

/ ˈmɛsˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a person with whom one shares meals in a mess, esp in the army

2. any of various eucalyptus trees that grow amongst other species

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Etymology

Origin of messmate

First recorded in 1720–30; mess + mate ¹

Example Sentences

Known as messmate, it’s considered less nutritious, but it’s eucalyptus all the same.

From Washington Post

However, some koalas eat only messmate and others only manna gum.

From The Guardian

When Moore and his colleagues analysed the microbial make-up of the faeces, they found that the koalas that preferred manna-gum eucalyptus harboured different bacteria from those that ate messmate.

From Nature

His messmates knew the secret, but, when questioned by the Calder's men, he cautiously opened the lid, displaying a couple of white rats.

From Project Gutenberg

His good address and general abilities, combined with the liberality and conviviality he displayed, speedily obtained him an influence among his messmates, which he used to the worst purpose.

From Project Gutenberg