I. ˈvid. ə l, -it ə l noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Late Latin victualia ) of Middle English vitaile, vitaille, from Middle French, from Late Latin victualia, plural, provisions, victuals, from neuter plural of victualis of nourishment, from Latin victus nourishment, sustenance (from victus, past participle of vivere to live) + -alis -al — more at quick
1.
a. : food usable by man
drinks and cakes and pastry, but … no substantial victual — Nathaniel Hawthorne
b. archaic : vegetable produce
c. Scotland : grain
2. victuals plural : supplies of food : provisions
the navy's ships provided artillery support 10 miles deep, besides victuals and supplies for the advancing army — Walker Karig
worker's wives switching to the less costly kinds of victuals — J.A.Lack
tempting tales of appetizing victuals — Green Peyton
II. verb
( victualed or victualled ; victualed or victualled ; victualing or victualling -d. ə liŋ, -t( ə )l- ; victuals )
Etymology: Middle English vitailen, vitaillen, from Middle French vitailer, vitailler, from vitaile, vitaille, n.
transitive verb
: to supply with food
this population was victualed with goods brought by rail — H.W.H.King
intransitive verb
1.
a. : eat
b. : feed , pasture — used of domestic animals
2. : to lay in provisions
the ship was victualing