1837, "article of food," from Fr. comestible, from L.L. comestibilis, from L. comestus, pp. of comedere "eat up, consume," from com- "thoroughly" + edere "to eat" (see edible). It was attested earlier as an adj. (late 15c.) meaning "fit to eat" but seems to have fallen from use 17c., and the word was reintroduced from Fr.