On Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:16:13 +0200, Martin S
> wrote:

>Richard Wright wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:36:44 +0200, Martin S
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>On wikipedia it is suggested that "Fool" recipes date back to the 15th
>>>century. Does anyone know a source for such a recipe? I had a brief look
>>>in "A Forme of Curry" (which is a bit old being late 14th century) and
>>>couldn't find it there. Any suggestions on an internet available source?
>>>The oldest I have is 1658 which is quite a gap.
>>>
>>>Martin S
>>>--
>>>Old time cookery and brewing:
>>>theoldecookerybook.com
>>
>> I can't help with a recipe earlier than 1658. However the OED has the
>> earliest citation of the word as 1598, the phrasing of which suggests
>> that the word was in regular use by then.
>>
>> The source is an Italian-English dictionary, author Florio and the
>> word being translated from the Italian is Mantiglia.:
>>
>> "Mantiglia, a kinde of clouted creame called a foole or a trifle in
>> English."
>>
>> I looked at the 1611 edition and there is no more substantial text
>> than that given by the OED. However the wording has been changed to
>> read: "Mantiglia, a kinde of clouted creame which we call a foole or
>> trifle."
>
>Thanks, very helpful. I wish I had the OED available. Daft question, but it
>is the same as http://www.oed.com/ isn't it? Might possibly be useful at
>work... ;-). Mayhaps I'll set up a trial account tomorrow...
>
>Martin S
>--
>Old time cookery and brewing:
>theoldecookerybook.com

Yes, that's the same OED. You might find your public library has an
online subscription.

Richard