Definition of saucer

The word "saucer" has its origins in the English language and can be traced back to the late 16th century. At that time, the term "saucer" referred to a shallow, flat dish that was used to hold sauces or other condiments. The exact origin of the word "saucer" is unclear, but it's believed to have derived from the Middle English word "sostère," which meant "sauce dish." It's possible that the word "saucer" originated because sauces were often served in small dishes, which were sometimes placed directly on the table or in front of the person's dinner plate - a role now primarily served by the saucer that sits beneath a teacup. The use of the word "saucer" to specifically refer to small, round, and hollow dishes used to serve hot drinks, such as tea or coffee, dates back to the 19th century, and this is the most commonly understood meaning of the word today. In fact, in many English-speaking countries, the term "cup and saucer" is often used to refer to a single serving of tea or coffee in a set, as opposed to ordering multiple cups of the same beverage. In conclusion, the word "saucer" has an interesting history that originated from its use as a dish to contain sauces, and it's evolved over time to mean a specific type of dish used for hot beverages. Its origins may lie in the Middle English word "sostère" or, rather, in the simple need to keep sauces and hot drinks contained and close at hand.