Antedating of "Pastrami"

[Fred Shapiro]

The OED's earliest citation for "pastrami" is dated 1940.  Merriam-Webster
has 1936.  Barry Popik mentioned some time ago that David Shulman had
found a 1927 citation.

Here is earlier, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers:

1925 _N.Y. Times_ 20 Sept. XX2  The colorful community [Coney Island] has
resumed its cold weather role -- that of a thriving residential section
where the delicatessen stores that have tables for tea and hot pastrami
are open all night.

Fred Shapiro


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