why candies and crystallized fruits are called *sweetmeats* and animal organs are called *sweetbreads*

Question

why candies and crystallized fruits are called *sweetmeats* and animal organs are called *sweetbreads*

In: Other

Answer 1

Historically the English word “meat” meant any food, not just animal flesh.

The etymology of “sweetbread” is less clear but the “-bread” part may be a corruption of the Middle English “brede” meaning roast meat.