/berr"gooh, berr gooh"/ , n. , pl. burgoos for 2b.
1. a thick oatmeal gruel, esp. as eaten by sailors.
2. Chiefly Kentucky and Tennessee.
a. a thick, highly seasoned soup or stew, usually made of chicken or small game and corn, tomatoes, and onions.
b. a picnic or other gathering at which burgoo is served.
[ 1735-45; perh. ult. burghul, burghul cracked wheat (see BULGUR), though immediate source is uncert. ]