Acate

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for food or provisions that have been bought, especially supplies gathered for a household or journey
2. Obsolete word for victuals or purchased provisions, the goods one acquires to feed a household or traveling party
3. Old word meaning food and supplies obtained by purchase, particularly the stores laid in for a meal or voyage

Etymology: In the Middle Ages, an "acate" was a purchased provision, and the word was most often used in the plural, "acates," for food bought for a household. It came into English from Anglo-Norman "acat," meaning "purchase," which derives from the verb "acater," to buy. That verb traces back to Late Latin "accaptare," to acquire, built from "ad-" (to) and "captare" (to seize or try to get), a relative of Latin "capere," to take. The most surprising descendant is "cates." Speakers came to treat the plural "acates" as if the initial "a-" were a separate piece, and dropped it, leaving "cates," which took on the sense of choice delicacies. Shakespeare uses it that way. The same root produced "caterer," originally a person who bought provisions, now someone who supplies food. "Acate" itself has long since dropped out of everyday use.

Synonyms: provision, purchase