/pan"tree/ , n. , pl. pantries .
1. a room or closet in which food, groceries, and other provisions, or silverware, dishes, etc., are kept.
2. a room between the kitchen and dining room in which food is arranged for serving, glassware and dishes are stored, etc.
3. a shelter or other place where food is dispensed to the needy, either as groceries or as meals.
[ 1250-1300; ME panetrie paneterie bread room, equiv. to panet ( er ) to bake bread (deriv. of pan bread panis ) + -erie -ERY ]