n.1 the flesh of animals (esp. mammals) as food.
2 (foll. by of) the essence or chief part of.
3 US the edible part of fruits, nuts, eggs, shellfish, etc.
4 archaic a food of any kind. b a meal.
Phrases and idioms:
meat and drink a source of great pleasure. meat-axe a butcher's cleaver. meat-fly (pl. -flies) a fly that breeds in meat. meat loaf minced or chopped meat moulded into the shape of a loaf and baked. meat safe a cupboard for storing meat, usu. of wire gauze etc.
Derivatives:
meatless adj.
Etymology: OE mete food f. Gmc