Word Study
tamale
CIDE DICTIONARY
tamale, n. [Amer. Sp. tamal, of Mex. origin.].
A Mexican dish made of crushed corn (cornmeal) mixed with minced meat, seasoned with red pepper, dipped in oil, and steamed. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
tamale, n. a Mexican food of seasoned meat and maize flour steamed or baked in maize husks.
Etymology
Mex. Sp. tamal, pl. tamales
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