Refection is not only applied to food, however. It has been used to describe many means of restoring or refreshing one's body, and of mental and spiritual sustenance as well.

REFECTION definition: refreshment, especially with food or drink. See examples of refection used in a sentence.

Refection generally refers to a meal or the act of refreshing or restoring something, especially strength, spirit or a physical substance. It's derived from a Latin term which means "refreshment" or "restoration."

Jun 27, 2026 · refection Add to list Other forms: refections Definitions of refection noun a light meal or repast see more

Dec 7, 2025 · Noun refection (countable and uncountable, plural refections) Mental or spiritual refreshment. Physical refreshment, especially with food or drink.

Define refection. refection synonyms, refection pronunciation, refection translation, English dictionary definition of refection. n. 1. Refreshment with food and drink. 2. A light meal or repast. 3. Reingestion …

After taking his refection, the messenger had dropped into a doze seated on the bench. The labourers are taking a slight refection of coffee and currant buns to enable them to withstand the exhausting …

After taking his refection, the messenger had dropped into a doze seated on the bench. The laborers are taking a slight refection of coffee and Danishes to enable them to withstand the exhausting interval …

There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun refection, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Refection sits between a snack and a meal, emphasizing the purpose (restoration) over the pleasure. It is the most appropriate word for a formal yet simple meal in a religious or academic setting.