Barbecue (bäb&euptack_;kū), n. [In the language of the (Arawak or Taino) Indians of Guiana, barbacoa a frame on which all kinds of flesh and fish are roasted or smoke-dried.] 1. a framework of metal or brick, usually with a grill on top, in which a fire is lighted and on which food is cooked, usually outdoors; -- also called a barbecue grill.[PJC]
2. A social entertainment, where people assemble, usually in the open air, at which a meal is prepared on a barbecue grill.[1913 Webster +PJC]
3. A floor, on which coffee beans are sun-dried.[1913 Webster]
4. A hog, ox, or other large animal roasted or broiled whole for a feast.[1913 Webster]
Barbecue (&unr_;), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Barbecued (&unr_;); p. pr. & vb. n. Barbecuing.] 1. To dry or cure by exposure on a frame or gridiron.[1913 Webster]
They use little or no salt, but barbecue their game and fish in the smoke.
2. To roast or broil whole, as an ox or hog.[1913 Webster]
Send me, gods, a whole hog barbecued.