Definition
A trencher was a flat piece of wood or metal used as a plate for food, especially in medieval times. Think of it as a rustic, historical version of a dinner plate. Often, it was a thick, square piece of stale bread which soaked up the juices of the food. Unlike modern plates, trenchers were often shared among several people. Sometimes, after the meal, the trencher would be given to the poor or fed to animals. It reflects a time when resources were scarce and communal dining was common.