simnel cake en · NOUN
Etymology
From Middle English simenel (also simle), from Old French simenel (“fine wheat flour; flat bread cake, Lenten cake”), probably by dissimilation from Vulgar Latin *siminellus, a diminutive of Latin simila (“fine flour”) (see semolina). Compare also Middle Dutch semel, Middle Low German semele.
Meanings
- (countable, uncountable) A rich fruit cake, with a decorated marzipan covering, traditionally eaten on Simnel Sunday or Easter.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| simnel cakes | Number=Plur | lexicographic |