Definition of manger

The word "manger" has its origins in Old French, which was the language spoken in medieval France. In Old French, the word "manger" meant "to eat" or "to consume". The verb "mengier" or "menger" was also used in Middle French, which was spoken from the 13th century until the 15th century. The noun "manger" first appeared in the 17th century in its current form, meaning a "trough for feeding animals". The use of the word in this context may have originated from farmers and shepherds, who traditionally fed their animals from low feeding troughs, known as mangers. The association of the word "manger" with a nativity scene during Christmas time began in France in the 14th century, when it became customary to depict the infant Jesus sleeping in a manger, surrounded by animals. This scene became known as the "manger scene" or "crèche", derived from the Old French word "creer or "crèer" meaning "to create" or "to put in a place". Over time, the "manger scene" evolved into the familiar Christmas tradition we know today, with figurines representing the infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Magi, and various animals. The manger itself became a cherished symbol of the Christmas story, reminding us of the humble origins of the Christ child. In short, the word "manger" has evolved from its original meaning of "to eat" in Old French, to its current use as both a verb meaning "to eat" and a noun meaning a "trough for feeding animals" that has become synonymous with the nativity scene during Christmas time.