Coffin,” as used in this recipe, meant a pie covered with…
““Coffin,” as used in this recipe, meant a pie covered with a top crust. Coffin comes from the Middle French cofin for basket or holder. Pies and coffins were rectangular, square, or round and often had crusts thick enough to support the filling without an outer pan. Why, thou say’st true; it is a paltry cap, A custard-coffin, a bauble, a silken pie: I love thee well, in that thou lik’est it not. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW,””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The term “coffin” historically referred to a pie’s crust, likening it to a basket that holds filling.
In simple terms: Old word “coffin” meant a pie crust.
Key Takeaway
Understand historical culinary terminology.
Themes
language
history
culinary
Mood
curious
academic
Type
educational
historical
When to use this quote
- cooking
- recipe reading
- historical research
Key Concepts
etymology
cultural context
Questions to Reflect On
- What other food terms have changed meaning?
- How does language evolution affect culinary texts?
A Different Perspective
Modern readers may misinterpret “coffin” as a funeral container.