Definition

A type of meat product that is made from the head, feet, and other parts of an animal, usually a pig, which are cooked and set in jelly.

Example

At the deli, I decided to try some headcheese for the first time.

Conversation

Have you ever tried headcheese?

No, I haven't! What is it exactly?

It's a jellied sausage made from parts of the pig's head and feet.

That sounds interesting! I might be willing to give it a shot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Headcheese is formed from "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the upper part of the body) and "cheese" (from Old English "cyse", meaning a food made from curdled milk). The term refers to a type of meat jelly made from the head of an animal, often set in a mold, resembling cheese in texture.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'head' of an animal being used to make a dish that has a 'cheese-like' texture, which helps you remember that headcheese is a meat product made from the head.

Visually Confused Words