provender

UK: ˈprɒvɪndə | US: ˈprɑːvɪndər

Definition

  1. n. food for domestic animals; fodder

  2. n. (archaic) provisions or food for humans

Structure
proven <to supply>der <noun suffix>proven <to supply>der <noun suffix>
Etymology

Provender traces back to Latin praebenda, originally referring to supplies or stipends (e.g., for clergy). Through Old French provendre, it narrowed to mean animal fodder, reflecting its agricultural use. The shift from human provisions to livestock feed highlights its practical evolution in medieval Europe.

Examples

  1. The farmer stored provender in the barn for winter.

  2. Medieval armies carried provender for their horses.

  3. (Archaic) The innkeeper laid out fresh provender for travelers.

  4. Modern livestock farms prioritize nutritious provender.

  5. The term "provender" is now rare outside historical contexts.