bisque

Where does the word "bisque" come from? It comes from French Biscaye, passing through French before entering English (1640s).

Bisque’s story begins in French: Biscaye meant “possibly the Bay of Biscay.” Possibly named for the Bay of Biscay, or from a word for twice-cooked. Within French, it grew into bisque by 1700s. Settled in French for a rich, creamy soup, especially of shellfish. It reached English by 1640s as bisque. Perhaps named after the Bay of Biscay; first a rich soup of game birds or crayfish. Today, bisque means a smooth, rich, creamy soup, traditionally made from shellfish.

1. Stage 1 · French · 1600s Biscaye "possibly the Bay of Biscay", possibly named for the Bay of Biscay, or from a word for twice-cooked.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1700s bisque "a rich, creamy shellfish soup", settled in French for a rich, creamy soup, especially of shellfish.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1640s bisque "a smooth, creamy soup, especially of shellfish", perhaps named after the Bay of Biscay; first a rich soup of game birds or crayfish.