aspic

Definition

A meat or fish jelly.

Etymology

Borrowed from French aspic, from Latin aspis, and possibly influenced by French basilic (“basilisk”). The culinary sense may come from association with the snake due to the traditional colors and cold temperature of aspic, in addition to the fact that the gelatin was often molded in a shape similar to a coiled snake.

Example Sentences

• "“Put a little aspic in the mould, so as to cover the bottom ···“"
• ""I don't know what you mean, Mr. Wynand," whispered Keating. His eyes fixed upon the tomato aspic on his salad plate; it was soft and shivering; it made him sick."
• "This is an aspic's trail: and these fig-leaves / Have slime upon them, such as the aspic leaves."

Related Words