Victuals is an old-fashioned word, used more in historical or literary contexts than in everyday conversation. In the novel, characters dined on simple victuals of bread and cheese.
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Culinary Usage
Victuals refers to food but is commonly used when discussing provisions or sustaining food, not individual dishes or meals. The ship was laden with victuals for the long voyage.
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Homestead Context
Victuals can evoke images of home-cooked, hearty food, and self-sufficiency in a rural or historical setting. Folks worked hard to to put victuals on the table every day.