simnel cake

[ sim-nl ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. any of several kinds of rich fruitcake covered with almond paste.

simnel cake

/ ˈsɪmnəl /

noun

1. a fruit cake containing a layer of marzipan, often coloured with saffron and topped with marzipan, traditionally eaten at Lent or Easter

Word History and Origins

Origin of simnel cake¹

1830–40; simnel, Middle English simenel < Old French, ultimately < Latin simila or Greek semídālis fine flour

Word History and Origins

Origin of simnel cake¹

C13 simenel, from Old French, from Latin simila fine flour, probably of Semitic origin; related to Greek semidalis fine flour