E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pancake (2 syl.)
is a pudding or “cake” made in a frying-pan. It was originally to be eaten after dinner, to stay the stomachs of those who went to be shriven. The Shrove-bell was called the Pancake Bell, and the day of shriving “Pancake Tuesday.”
