DCHP-3

lunch

DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
n. — Newfoundland, rare and archaic

a snack eaten between meals or before bedtime.

Type: 2. Preservation — The term lunch refers to a light meal or snack taken either late in the evening (see the 1917 quotation and the 1972 quotations) or between meals (see DNE, s.v. "lunch" (1) and (2)); this sense of lunch differs from the common meaning 'the meal eaten in the middle of the day' between breakfast and dinner (see COD-2, s.v. "lunch" (1)). Examples of popular items consumed for the traditional Newfoundland type of lunch include cheese, bread, raisin buns and molasses cake (see the 1990 and 1970 quotations). It is possible that the meaning of lunch as a 'a light meal eaten at any time' (see Gage-5, s.v. "lunch" (2)) derives from an obsolete meaning, which is 'a piece, a thick piece; a hunch or hunk' (see OED-3, s.v. "lunch" (n2)(1)); fittingly, DARE compares lunch, or 'a light meal or snack taken at any time', with the term "piece" (see DARE, s.v. "lunch" (1)). Thus, a "lunch" or ' "piece" of something was considered a light meal or snack (see the 1996 quotation). The word lunch is a preservation from British English, defined in EDD (s.v. "lunch" (2a)) as 'a light repast between meals, especially between dinner and supper'. A derivation from British English coincides with Newfoundland's settlement history, as many people from southwest counties of England immigrated to the province in the 18th and 19th centuries (Clarke 2010b: 7). Lunch is documented as an example of semantic retention in Newfoundland and Labrador English, as it is documented as the earlier meaning (Clarke 2010b: 105). Clarke notes (2010b: 104), however, that retention of particular senses are not necessarily unique to Newfoundland English. Accordingly, this sense of lunch is attested in US sources (as DARE, s.v. "lunch" (1) and DAE, s.v. "lunch" (1c), clearly show).
See also DNE, s.v. lunch (1, 2).

Quotations

1905
Skill seldom comes save through long practice, and frequently not then. So if you have not acquired the skill that is required to to make good pastry, don't worry - buy from us. Quality, way up. Price, on the level. Tarts, 20c. doz.; Puffs, 24c. doz. Apple, Mince and other Pies at various prices. Most any kind made to order. When that "tired feeling" comes over you, drop in and get a lunch at our restaurant. The cost will be trifling compared with the world of good 'twill do you.
1917
Also, if you can fatten up, your stomach will retain better position. Do so by rest in bed and bedtime lunch, and lunches between meals.
1918
Suppose you ordinarily eat dinner or supper at 6.30 or 7.00 p.m. and retire at 10.30 or 11.00 pm. Take a bedtime lunch each night, or a pint of fresh milk and a slice of bread or some crackers. This will increase your weight in the desired degree if followed regularly for a year.
1938
An early dinner and long evenings make little people hungry around go-to-bed time. They clamor for "something good" and insist upon having it. Too heavy before-bed foods are not advisable. A light rennet-custard, rich in milk and delicious to the taste makes an ideal bedtime lunch for George or Grace.
1969
Christmas Mumming in Nfld 109 A cow or a pig is usually slaughtered so that all visitors can be given a meal or a 'lunch' - a late evening meal - of the highest quality.
1972
MURRAY 215 In winter, there were fewer meals per day than during a busy fishing season. Four meals - breakfast, dinner, tea, and a 'mug-up' or 'lunch' before bedtime - were standard in most homes.
1979
TIZZARD 189 The first thing after the parents had gone to bed ... was to get a lunch. A lunch would be bread and tea and raisin buns or sweet molasses cake.
1990
P 148-63 Will you have a lunch? (11 p.m. meal of tea, cheese, crackers, bread, jam).
1996
The long history of settlement in Newfoundland has given rise to numerous terms that are particularly associated with the province, many of them having a specifically local reference and/or a somewhat difference meaning in their adopted environment. Among these are [...] lunch (snack eaten between meals), [...].

References

  • Clarke (2010b)
  • DNE
  • COD-2
  • DARE
  • DAE
  • EDD
  • Gage-5