Sentence:  Sir, I was thrice at Lamhith, to have dined with the Archeb since your departure, and still he was to dine, at the Court or with some Bishop. But I must and will find him as soon as I may: and rather at a <WSD>meal</WSD>, then otherwise, because I would have means, to participate at large, about our Collation. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  (food that is prepared and eaten)Food that is prepared and eaten, usually at a specific time, and usually in a comparatively large quantity (as opposed to a snack).