I. re·ga·le rə̇ˈgālē, rēˈ- noun
( plural re·ga·lia -lyə, -lēə)
Etymology: Medieval Latin, royal prerogative, royal ornament, from Latin, neuter of regalis royal, regal
1.
a. : the right, power, or privilege of a king : royal prerogative — usually used in plural
b.
[French & Medieval Latin; French régale, from Medieval Latin regale, from Latin, neuter of regalis ]
: a right or prerogative of enjoying the revenues of vacant sees and abbacies and of presenting to benefices dependent on them claimed by rulers in the middle ages
2. regalia plural
a. : the emblems, symbols, or paraphernalia (as crown, scepter, or standard) indicative of royal state
b. : decorations, insignia, or special costume indicative of an office or of membership in a group (as a social or fraternal order)
the lord mayor in full regalia
3. regalia plural : costume devoted to a particular situation or use : special costume : finery
unrecognizable in his Sunday regalia
II. re·gale rə̇ˈgāl, rēˈ-, esp before pause or consonant -āəl verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: French régaler, from Middle French regaler, from regale, rigalle, n.
transitive verb
1.
a. : to entertain (as a person) sumptuously or agreeably : feast with delicacies
regaled her guests with the best of everything
b. : to indulge, refresh, or renew (oneself) with food or drink and especially with delicacies
regaling himself with a vast platter of chitterlings
c. : to serve as a delicacy for : refresh
good ale to regale our throats
2. : to offer pleasant entertainment to (as the senses) : give pleasure or amusement to : affect pleasurably
a sight that regales the eye
regaled the meeting with the tale of the committee's troubles
intransitive verb
: to feast oneself : feed
regaling on dewberries — George Meredith
Synonyms: see please
III. regale noun
( -s )
Etymology: French régal, from Middle French regale, rigalle, from re- + gale pleasure, merrymaking — more at gallant
1.
a. : a choice or sumptuous repast : feast
b. : a ration or treat of food or drink
2. : regalement