Question 1

What does "Charger" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Charger" means "platter." The grotesque formality of Herod's feast. John the Baptist's head was brought on a charger -- a large, formal serving dish, as if presenting a course at a royal banquet. The word emphasized the obscene contrast between the ceremonial elegance of the dish and the horror of what it held. A 'platter' is mundane; a 'charger' was fit for a king's table.

Question 2

Why did the word "Charger" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Displaced by electrical charging devices and warhorse imagery. 'Charger' as 'a large flat dish/platter' (Old French chargeoir 'that which holds a load') became unreadable when charger meant a horse or a phone cable. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1800.

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Charger"?

Accepted Answer

"Charger" was replaced by: "platter" (though this smaller and more casual; a charger was a large, formal serving dish, often silver or gold); "plate" (though this ordinary dinnerware; a charger was ceremonial, a dish of state); "tray" (though this utilitarian; a charger carried the dignity of formal presentation).

What Does “Charger” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost