a person employed to perform culinary service. In early times among the Hebrews cooking was performed by the mistress of the household ( Genesis 18:2-6 ; Judges 6:19 ), and the process was very expeditiously performed ( Genesis 27:3 Genesis 27:4 Genesis 27:9 Genesis 27:10 ). Professional cooks were afterwards employed ( 1 Samuel 8:13 ; 9:23 ). Few animals, as a rule, were slaughtered (other than sacrifices), except for purposes of hospitality ( Genesis 18:7 ; Luke 15:23 ). The paschal lamb was roasted over a fire ( Exodus 12:8 Exodus 12:9 ; 2 Chr 35:13 ). Cooking by boiling was the usual method adopted ( Leviticus 8:31 ; Exodus 16:23 ). No cooking took place on the Sabbath day ( Exodus 35:3 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.