Definition of poke1

The origin of the word "poke" with the meaning of "a thick stew made with potatoes, meat, and sometimes vegetables" can be traced back to the English language in the 18th century. The exact etymology of the word is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the word "poch" or "poch," which was a Scottish dialect word meaning "a large pot or kettle" that was used to cook stews. The word "poch" may, in turn, have originated from the Old Norse word "pakki," meaning "cooking pot." In the Scottish dialect, "poch" was sometimes spelled as "pok," which then evolved into the modern English word "poke." The meaning of "poke" as a thick stew emerged in the early 1800s in the United States, where it was likely influenced by traditional English stews and soups cooked in large pots. The word "poke" quickly caught on in American English, as it was a practical and descriptive term for a hearty dish that could be made in a large pot. In summary, the origin of the word "poke" in the sense of a stew can be traced back to the Scottish dialect word "poch" or "poch," which may have originally come from the Old Norse word "pakki." The word then evolved in American English to describe a thick stew made in a large pot, likely influenced by traditional English cookery.