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The term "trencherman" means a good hearty eater. It could be assumed. therefore, that a "trencher" was something people used to eat off, such as a wooden board , or the like, which served as a plate - as the dictionary confirms. In fact, it was originally a large chunk or slice of stale bread used to soak up the juices, which would later be fed to the domestic animals or the poor. Alternatively , those who had a very strong stomach or large appetite could eat it themselves. Before the invention of cutlery, our ancestors usually ate with their hands. It is quite surprising to realize how late in the day it was before cutlery - knives, forks and spoons, even drinking cups - became commonly used for eating. It is not a question of being slow to grasp the concept of such tools and their possible uses - they had been around for ages, though it was usually only the wealthier people who had them at the dinner table. So the reason for this late development or fashion must be looked for elsewhere.
