barbecue definition

1. A hog, ox, or other large animal roasted or broiled whole for a feast.

2. A social entertainment, where many people assemble, usually in the open air, at which one or more large animals are roasted or broiled whole.

3. A floor, on which coffee beans are sun-dried.

Origin: In the language of Indians of Guiana, a frame on which all kinds of flesh and fish are roasted or smoke-dried.

1. To dry or cure by exposure on a frame or gridiron.

2. To roast or broil whole, as an ox or hog. "Send me, gods, a whole hog barbecued." (Pope)

Origin: Barbecued; Barbecuing.

(01 Mar 1998)