Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
* Entrée: This word originally meant "entrance" or "entry" in French.
* Evolution of Meaning: Over time, it evolved to refer to the "entry" into a meal, which was typically the first course.
* Modern Usage: In English, "entree" now refers to the main course of a meal, although this usage is more common in American English. In British English, "main course" is the more preferred term.
It's interesting to note that the evolution of the word "entree" reflects the evolution of dining practices. Originally, the first course of a meal was considered the most important, while the main course came later. However, as culinary practices changed, the emphasis shifted to the main course, and the word "entree" followed suit.