ˈbelly-ˌtimber Obs. exc. dial.
[f. belly n. + timber.]
Food, provisions. (Formerly in serious use, as still in dialects (cf. timber); but since the time of Butler tending to be ludicrous.)
| 1607 Mis. Enforced Marr. iii. in Hazl. Dodsl. IX. 519 We had some belly timber at your table. 1625 Purchas Pilgrims ii. 1643 They make Florentines, and verie good belly-timber. 1663 Butler Hud. i. i. 331 Belly-Timber above Ground Or under was not to be found. 1753 Smollett Ct. Fathom (1784) 63/2 Here is no solid belly-timber in this country. [1820 Scott Monast. (1830) I. 222 The ample provision they have made for their own belly-timber.] 1855 Whitby Gloss., Belly-timber, food. |