MESS.A mess is any dish of food sent to the table (Lat. missum, Fr. mes). The word occurs in Gen_43:24, 2Sa_11:8, Sir_30:13, and RV [Note: Revised Version.] introduces it at Heb_12:16.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
mes (משׂאת, mas'ēth): Any dish of food sent (Latin missum; French messe) to the table. It occurs in the Old Testament in Gen_43:34 (twice); 2Sa_11:8 English Versions of the Bible, and in the New Testament in Heb_12:16, translating βρῶσις, brṓsis.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Mess
(מִשְׂאֵת, maseth', a lifting up, as of the hands, Psa_141:2; or of flame, Jdg_20:38; Jdg_20:40; so of a sign, Jer_6:1; hence an oracle or burden, Lam_2:14), properly a gift ( oblation, reward, etc., Est_2:18; Jer_40:5; Amos v. 11); also tribute (oblation, collection, 2Ch_24:6; 2Ch_24:9; Eze_20:40); specially a portion of food to a guest (Gen_43:34; 2Sa_11:8). SEE EATING.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.