<P> Charger plates or service plates are large plates used at full course dinners or to dress up special events like parties and weddings . Charger plates have been in use since the 19th century . </P> <P> Food is not actually served on chargers; they are often called underplates or chop plates . The word "charger" originated around 1275--1325 from the Middle English "chargeour". Formerly, a charger signified either a large platter or a large, shallow dish for liquids . </P> <P> They are usually larger than most common dinner plates . Since they are not used for food, charger plates can be found in a variety of materials, from traditional china, to metal, wood, glass, plastic and pearl . And they may be decorated with substances that can be toxic if ingested . </P>

Where did the name charger plate come from