Does reposer mean to set?

Question

Why is reposer used in the final sentence as a translation of leaving the tart to set? Doesn't reposer just imply leave it to rest (in the fridge) with no mention of setting?,

Accepted Answer

Hi Eleanor, 
Just to add to what has already been said, the expression 'laisser reposer' is used in recipes for letting something rest for a while.
For pancake batter, for pastry to harden, and in this case ( but I have not made a 'tarte au citron' for a long time) according to this recipe, it is to leave it to set in the fridge.
Hope this helps!

Answer

Hi Eleanor,Reposer means to "place again"  the tart into the fridge.Earlier the ball of pastry (for the tart) was placed into the fridge (poser).Hope this helpsJim

Answer

You are right, Eleanor: the verb reposer has two meanings depending on whether it's used reflectively (se reposer -- to rest) or not (reposer qqc -- to put back sth).

Answer

Reposer does not specifically mean ‘to set’, but in the context of cooking/usage in recipes, can mean to allow qqc to ‘rest’, or to ‘re-place’ (the reflexive is not appropriate here) - the purpose of which (as a ‘technique’ in cooking may be to allow setting, firming up, relaxing of dough etc