from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dessert \Des*sert"\, n. [F., fr. desservir to remove from table,
to clear the table; pref. des- (L. dis-) + servir to serve,
to serve at table. See {Serve}.]
A service of pastry, fruits, or sweetmeats, at the close of a
feast or entertainment; pastry, fruits, etc., forming the
last course at dinner.
[1913 Webster]
"An 't please your honor," quoth the peasant,
"This same dessert is not so pleasant." --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
{Dessert spoon}, a spoon used in eating dessert; a spoon
intermediate in size between a teaspoon and a tablespoon.
{Dessert-spoonful}, n., pl. {Dessert-spoonfuls}, as much as a
dessert spoon will hold, usually reckoned at about two and
a half fluid drams.
[1913 Webster]