hardtack
nounUK /ˈhɑːdtæk/
US /ˈhɑːrdtæk/
Hardtack is a hard, dry biscuit that sailors and soldiers ate long ago.
The old sailor kept a piece of hardtack in his pocket for the long voyage.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A very hard, unsalted bread made from flour and water, baked until dry so it lasts a long time.
The soldiers soaked their hardtack in coffee to make it soft enough to eat.
3. Slang for a tough, stubborn person who does not give up easily.
Grandpa is old hardtack; he never quits a job once he starts it.
4. A plain, basic food that is not fancy but keeps you going.
For breakfast we had hardtack and water before the long hike.