Pist. <i>brigidino</i>

Abstract The name of the brigidini , a type of aniseed wafer which is typical of the town of Lamporecchio (Italy), is linked traditionally and anecdotally to the nuns of a convent of Saint Brigida. However, there is no historical evidence to support the existence of such an institution. In our paper, we review potential alternative hypotheses and advocate for a more solid one based on the Northern It. brazadel(lo) ‘dessert, in particular donut with anise’. The aforementioned etymon was subsequently modified by a reference to the name of the Saint because of the frequent association of such sweets with manufacturers established in female convents. This development was further facilitated by the semantic opacity of the term.