hors d'oeuvre

Where does the word "hors d'oeuvre" come from? It comes from French hors d'oeuvre, and was adopted directly into English (1714).

Hors d'oeuvre’s story begins in French: hors d'oeuvre meant “outside the main work.” Literally outside the work, referring to a dish served apart from the main meal. It reached English by 1714 as hors d'oeuvre. French 'outside the work', i.e. outside the main courses. Today, hors d'oeuvre means a small savory dish served as an appetizer before a meal.

1. Stage 1 · French · 1700s hors d'oeuvre "outside the main work", literally outside the work, referring to a dish served apart from the main meal.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1714 hors d'oeuvre "a small dish served before the main course", French 'outside the work', i.e. outside the main courses.