I. ˈvi-t ə l noun
Etymology: Middle English vitaille, victuayle, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin victualia, plural, provisions, victuals, from neuter plural of victualis of nourishment, from Latin victus nourishment, way of living, from vivere to live — more at quick
Date: 15th century
1. : food usable by people
2. plural : supplies of food : provisions
II. verb
( -ualed or -ualled ; -ual·ing or -ual·ling )
Date: 1558
transitive verb
: to supply with food
intransitive verb
1. : eat
2. : to lay in provisions