Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dessert \Des*sert"\, n. [F., fr. desservir to remove from table,
   to clear the table; pref. des- (L. dis-) + servir to serve,
   to serve at table. See {Serve}.]
   A service of pastry, fruits, or sweetmeats, at the close of a
   feast or entertainment; pastry, fruits, etc., forming the
   last course at dinner.

         ``An 't please your honor,'' quoth the peasant, ``This
         same dessert is not so pleasant.''       --Pope.

   {Dessert spoon}, a spoon used in eating dessert; a spoon
      intermediate in size between a teaspoon and a tablespoon.
      

   {Dessert-spoonful}, n., pl. {Dessert-spoonfuls}, as much as a
      dessert spoon will hold, usually reckoned at about two and
      a half fluid drams.

Source : WordNet®

dessert
     n : a dish served as the last course of a meal [syn: {sweet}, {afters}]