The Gilroy Dispatch says that the custom of toasting comes from the Greeks, who raised their drinking vessels in a display of good faith, but that the word comes from a literal Roman practice, according to Ever Wonder. Supposedly, Romans add bits of burned bread to their drinks to impart flavor.


Comments
I would be more comfortable with a definite source.
Irene, the source fiend!
I wonder if David Wishart’s Corvinus has ever heard of such a thing.