Provençal

American  

[proh-vuhn-sahl, prov-uhn-, praw-vahn-sal] / ˌproʊ vənˈsɑl, ˌprɒv ən-, prɔ vɑ̃ˈsal /

adjective

1. of or relating to Provence, its people, or their language.

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Provence.

2. Also called Occitan.  a Romance language once widely spoken in southern France, still in use in some rural areas. Pr, Pr., Prov.

3. the dialect of Provençal used in Provence.

Provençal British  

/ prɔvɑ̃sal, ˌprɒvɒnˈsɑːl /

adjective

1. relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Provence, its inhabitants, their dialect of French, or their Romance language

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noun

1. a language of Provence, closely related to Catalan, French, and Italian, belonging to the Romance group of the Indo-European family. It was important in the Middle Ages as a literary language, and attempts have been made since the 19th century to revive its literary status See also langue d'oc

2. a native or inhabitant of Provence

Etymology

Origin of Provençal

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French, from Latin prōvinciālis provincial; see origin at Provence, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Many traditional stews are built without it: a Central American jocón, a West African mafe and a Provençal daube all skip browning and rely on other ingredients to deepen their flavors.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

She calls the preparation a “tian,” a French Provençal term that refers to a shallow round earthenware vessel, as well as the dishes baked in it.

From Washington Times • Dec. 13, 2023

The rest of the blend is cinsaut and mourvèdre, two grapes more familiar to fans of Provençal rosés.

From Washington Post • Jul. 28, 2022

"Rosé is so oversaturated," she says, adding that it's understandably harder to nudge someone to buy, say, a pricier Sangiovese rosé when light, affordable, no-brainer Provençal rosé is within reach.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2022

This spirit of Provençal chivalry gradually found its way into Castile, heightened and quickened the imagination of its people, and prepared the Spanish mind for the acceptance and appreciation of Romantic literature.

From Legends & Romances of Spain by Spence, Lewis