Definition of the word fritter

The word "fritter" originated from the Middle English word "friten," which means "to fry." This term comes from the Old French word "frite," which shares the same meaning. The Old French word, in turn, has its roots in the Latin word "fritellus," which means "little fried things." Etymologists believe that the Latin word "fritellus" may have been derived from the Latin words "frire" (meaning "to fry") and "parvulus" (meaning "small"). The "little fried things" referred to were likely snacks or side dishes that were fried and served with other meals. Over time, the English word "fritter" came to refer specifically to a dish that is made by cutting up vegetables or fruit into thin slices, coating them in batter or breadcrumbs, and then frying them until they're crispy. Today, fritters can be found all over the world, from Indian pakoras to British fish fritters to American corn fritters. The common thread tying all these dishes together is the technique of frying them until they're golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and tender interior.