mess etymology

Etymology:

The word "mess" comes from the Middle English word "messe," which in turn comes from the Old French "mes," meaning "a meal taken in common." The Old French word is derived from the Latin "missus," meaning "something sent," as in a course of food at a meal.

Meaning:

The word "mess" has several meanings:

• A mixed or disordered group of people or things: "A mess of wires."
• A state of disorder or untidiness: "Her room was a mess."
• A meal, especially one eaten by soldiers in barracks or prison: "The prisoners were served a meager mess."
• A group of people who eat together: "The officers' mess."
• A unit of troops in the British army, typically a company or squadron: "A mess of the Royal Dragoon Guards."

Origin:

The use of "mess" to refer to a meal or a unit of troops dates back to the 14th century. The term "mess hall" for a dining room in a barracks or prison first appeared in the 19th century. The slang use of "mess" to mean a state of disorder or a mixed group of things emerged in the early 20th century.

mess relate terms

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• mess

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• mate

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• muddle

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• pasta

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• accentuate

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• shambles

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• done

  Etymology Middle English don done Old English don gedon Proto Germanic donan Proto

• mass

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• nutrition

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• pile

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