What did supper mean in the olden days?

In the olden days, "supper" referred to the evening meal, typically eaten later than "dinner," which was often the main meal of the day taken at midday. Supper was generally lighter and more informal, serving as a way to conclude the day's eating. The distinction between supper and dinner varied by region and social class, but both meals played significant roles in family and social gatherings. Over time, the meanings and timings of these meals have evolved, leading to different interpretations in modern contexts.