Obs. Forms: α. 4 vyaundour, viandoure, 5 Sc. vyanddour, wyandoure. β. 5 vyander (?), 6 vyandre, 6–7 viander. [a. AF. via(u)ndour, viandere, OF. viandiere, viandier, f. viande VIAND1.]
1. One who provides viands or good cheer for his household or guests; a (liberal) host or entertainer. Usually with adjs., esp. good.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 4076. Knyght was he fol god in stour, & lyberal man, & vyaundour [v.r. & metegift man viandoure].
14[?]. Forme of Cury, in Warner, Antiq. Culin. (1791), 1. Kyng Richard the Secunde kyng of Inglond,… the which was accounted the best and ryallest vyand[er] of alle cristen kynges.
c. 1425. Wyntoun, Cron., IX. x. 1130. This Kyng wes wys and debonare; Gud vyanddour, and fed hym fare.
1519. Horman, Vulg., 152 b. Placis to kepe all maner of foulle be requyred in a good vianders house [L. in domo dapsili].
1534. Whitinton, Tullyes Offices, II. (1540), 101. One called Cimo in Athenes was also a lyberall vyandre to his frendes.
1577. Stanyhurst, Descr. Irel., iv. 18/1, in Holinshed. Wherein she fareth lyke one, that, to purchase ye name of a sumptuous francklene or a good viander, woulde bidde diuers guestes to a costly and daintie dinner [etc.].
2. One who provides himself with good cheer; one who is fond of good living.
1539. Cranmer, Lett., in Misc. Writ. (Parker Soc.), II. 396. How … prebendaries have … spent their substance in superfluous belly cheer…. Commonly a prebendary is neither a learner, nor teacher, but a good viander.
1780. Pegge, Pref. to Forme of Cury, p. v. It is certain that Hardicnut stands on record as an egregious glutton, but he is not particularly famous for being a curious Viander.
3. A supplier or seller of provisions.
1598. Barret, Theor. Warres, V. ii. 151. These vianders, and marchants, doth the Lord Marshall assure and guard.
1622. F. Markham, Bk. War, III. iv. 94. The Armie shall euer haue great resort of Victuallers, Vianders, Sutlers and all occupations to relieve euery want.
4. (See quot.)
1751. Eng. Gazetteer, II. s.v., Newport, (Cornw[all]) … has sent members to P[arliamen]t ever since the 6th of Edw. VI. who are returned by two officers, called vianders.
