pomfret

[ pom-frit, puhm- ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) pom·fret, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) pom·frets.

1. any of several scombroid fishes of the family Bramidae, found in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
2. any of several East Indian stromateid fishes, especially Stromateoides argenteus, valued as food.

pomfret

¹

/ ˈpɒmfrɪt /

noun

1. any of various fishes of the genus Stromateidae of the Indian and Pacific oceans: valued as food fishes
2. any of various scombroid fishes, esp Brama raii, of northern oceans: valued as food fishes

pomfret

²

/ ˈpʌmfrɪt; ˈpɒm- /

noun

1. a small black rounded confection of liquorice Also calledPontefract cake

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomfret¹

First recorded in 1720–30; earlier pamplee, pamflet, pomphlet; compare French pample, Portuguese pampo

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomfret¹

C18: perhaps from a diminutive form of Portuguese pampo

Origin of pomfret²

C19: from Pomfret, earlier form of Pontefract , where the cake was originally made

Example Sentences

Therein of course lies the cleverness of the book; it is full of atmosphere, and the atmosphere is full of dust, Pomfret dust.

From Project Gutenberg

At Pomfret and West Point he owed to his drawing whatever distinction he had attained.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll speak to Pomfret about having a room ready in the East Wing for him.

From Project Gutenberg

Montagu lay motionless at Pomfret as the little army marched by him to the south.

From Project Gutenberg

I sent 'Pomfret'—and Shelley is returned, and the letters, in the same parcel—but my letter goes by the post as you see.

From Project Gutenberg