E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Flesh-pots.
Sighing for the flesh-pots of Egypt. Hankering for good things no longer at your command. The children of Israel said they wished they had died “when they sat by the flesh-pots of Egypt” (Exodus xvi. 3)—i.e. when they sat watching the boilers which contained the meat they were to have for dinner. The expression also means abundance of appetising food.
