Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 09:44:00 -0800

From: "[Deborah Bader]" DHBader[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]EWORLD.COM

Subject: Re: Gumbo file'



According to Webster's Third New Interntional Dictionary, file' is considered

American French (out of Louisiana) and derives from the French past

participle of filer, to twist, spin. Its definitin is "powdered young leaves

of sassafrass used to thicken soups or stews." Hope this helps.