Collins English-English Dictionary

toast [təυst]

1. 1. n sliced bread browned by exposure to heat, usually under a grill, over a fire, or in a toaster

2. 2. vt. [tr] to brown under a grill or over a fire

   to toast cheese

3. 3. vt. to warm or be warmed in a similar manner

   to toast one's hands by the fire

4. 4. vt. [Etymology] C14: from Old French toster, from Latin tostus parched, baked from torrere to dry with heat; see thirst, torrid

toast [təυst]

1. 1. n a tribute or proposal of health, success, etc, given to a person or thing by a company of people and marked by raising glasses and drinking together

2. 2. n a person or thing honoured by such a tribute or proposal

3. 3. n (esp formerly) an attractive woman to whom such tributes are frequently made

   she was the toast of the town

4. 4. vb to propose or drink a toast to (a person or thing)

5. 5. vi. [intr] to add vocal effects to a prerecorded track: a disc-jockey technique - See also rap

6. 6. vi. [Etymology] C17 (in the sense: a lady to whom the company is asked to drink): from toast¹,from the idea that the name of the lady would flavour the drink like a piece of spiced toast