| 释义 |
lebkuchen, n.
Brit. |ˈlɛbˌkuːk(ə)n|, U.S. |ˈlɛbˌkuk(ə)n|
Plural unchanged
Forms: also with capital initial.
[‹ German Lebkuchen (13th cent. in Middle High German as lebekuoche; compare Middle Low German levekoke) > n.
It has been suggested that the first element of the German word is either a borrowing of Latin lībum flatbread or shows an ablaut variant of Old High German, Middle High German leip, (in compounds) leib- (see loaf n.1), but both suggestions are problematic.Other less tenable etymologies have also been suggested; compare:
1850H. J. Whitling Pictures of Nuremberg I. 224 (note) Leb'kuchen, or, as it is called by some, lebbe (sweet) in the Osnaburg dialect, or otherwise Leben-kuchen, life-cake, a delicious kind of gingerbread, white or brown, for which Nuremberg is so much celebrated. ]
As a mass noun: a type of biscuit with a cakelike texture, typically glazed or coated and containing spices and honey. Also as a count noun: a biscuit of this type.
Lebkuchen are said to originate in Nuremberg, Germany.
1850H. J. Whitling Pictures of Nuremberg I. 224 Punch is drunk, and much Lebkuchen eaten and given away by the orthodox on this occasion. 1891Los Angeles Times 22 Nov. 14 (advt.) Pfeffernusse and Lebkuchen at Jevne's. 1936A. Genthe As I Remember i. 9 Everyone received a Naschteller—a plate of Christmas cakes, lebkuchen, marzipan and chocolates. 1975M. Mayer Nature of Beast iv. 161 It is a time to be young, a time of skates and sleds and Lebkuchen and lights. 1997Mother Earth News (Nexis) 10 Dec. When the children awakened the next morning they would find not only a special gift for them but also a lebkuchen (a German honey cake) and candy. 2002Daily Tel. (Nexis) 21 Dec. 3 {pstlg}4 buys six Lebkuchen from Confiserei Neef.., which has won awards for gingerbread. |