Sentence:  "Smallbones," said the lieutenant, after trying the <WSD>hot mess</WSD> before him, and finding that he was still in danger of burning his mouth, "bring me the red-herring." 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A warm meal, usually cooked in a large pot, often similar to a stew or porridge; service of such a heated meal to soldiers.