savoursavorn.
/ˈseɪvə/, U.S. /ˈseɪvər/ I. Smell, aroma, and related figurative and extended uses.
1.
a. A quality or characteristic likened to a smell or aroma, esp. in extended metaphors.
ΚΠ
c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Royal) (1934) 11 He is leoflukest lif for to lokin uppon & swotest to smeallen: ne his swote sauur, ne his al-mihte mihte..ne mei neauer lutlin ne aliggen.
c1400 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Vernon) (1984) 26 Þe swetnesse of þy maydenhood, al vp to heuene smytyngge is swete sauour.
1520 Praysyng to Ioseph in Lyfe Ioseph of Armathia (Pynson) sig. B.iii Heyle tresour of Glastenbury moost imperyall In sauour smellynge swete as eglantyne.
1609 Bp. W. Barlow Answer Catholike English-man 119 They which take them in..doe contagiously re-infect the very ayre which they breath with a pestilent Sauour of superstition and Disloyaltie.
1724 R. Erskine Law-death, Gospel-life 52 They smell the Savour of his Name, which is as Ointment poured forth.
1864 R. W. Norman Serm. iii. 31 Have you in My house prayed to Me with your heart, or have your prayers been a mere repetition of words, a foul savour in My nostrils?
1922 G. Vos Grace & Glory vi. 153 How easily do we fall into the habit of handling the things of our holy faith after an external, quantitative, statistical fashion, so that they turn flesh under our touch and emit a savor of earth?
1999 B. Rajan Under Western Eyes i. 44 An emerging consumerism that has smelled the savor of affluence.
b. spec. Reputation, esteem. Cf. odour n. 4b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > [noun]
nameeOE
talec1175
fame?c1225
lose1297
creancec1330
stevenc1374
opinionc1384
credencec1390
recorda1393
renowna1400
reputationc1400
reportc1425
regardc1440
esteema1450
noisea1470
reapport1514
estimation1530
savour1535
existimationa1538
countenancea1568
credit1576
standing1579
stair1590
perfumec1595
estimate1597
pass1601
reportage1612
vibration1666
suffrage1667
rep1677
face1834
odour1835
rap1966
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. v. 21 Ye have made the sauoure of us to stynke before Pharao.
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre ii. xv. 64 Since which time the bad savour of his life came to the Popes nose, who sent a Legate to depose him.
1726 W. Penn in Life in Wks. (1782) I. 53 These several Things agreed upon, being of good Savour and Report.
1847 Med. Times 18 Dec. 179/1 It is evident that, with certain parties, they are not in good savour.
1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 25 Then came in hall the messenger of Mark, A name of evil savour in the land, The Cornish king.
1903 Commerc. Poultry 20 Apr. 7/1 The Plymouth Rock is in bad savor in that country solely on account of the quality of the specimens that have been sent from this country.
2.
a. literal. A smell, an aroma.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [noun]
smacka1000
breathOE
smella1175
irea1300
weffea1300
thefa1325
relesec1330
odour?c1335
incensea1340
flair1340
savoura1350
smellingc1386
flavourc1400
fumec1400
reflairc1400
air?a1439
scent?1473
taste?c1475
verdure1520
senteur1601
waft1611
effluvium1656
fluor1671
burning scent1681
aura1732
fumet1735
snuff1763
olfacient1822
odouret1825
waff1827
gush1841
sniff1844
tang1858
nose1894
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 60 Rose ant lylie-flour þat whilen ber þat suete sauour in somer.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John xii. 3 The hous is fillid of the sauour [L. odore] of oygnement.
c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 6027 The bodyes that ther ded lay, That hadde be sclayn In fight that day; Ther come of hem a foul sauour.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde ii. vi. sig. f1 [The panther] gyueth oute of his mouth so swete a sauour and smelle, that anon the beestes that fele it seche hym.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 142 Þus as þe flesche rostyd, þe sauer þerof went out ynto þe strete.
a1593 C. Marlowe Edward II (1594) sig. L3 I was almost stifeled with the sauor.
1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iii. §88. 349 Plagues oft arise..from noisome savours.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 125 Then Melfoil beat, and Honey-suckles pound, With these alluring Savours strew the Ground. View more context for this quotation
1710 Tatler No. 148. ⁋10 I smelled the agreeable Savour of Roast Beef.
1745 G. S. Green in tr. N.-F. Dupré de Saint-Maur State of Innocence iii. iii. 120 (note) It can perceive the Savour of dead Carcasses fifty Miles off.
1828 Museum of Foreign Lit. Apr. 641 A strong savour o' worts from new malt invaded his nostrils.
1876 F. W. Farrar In Days of Youth ii. 20 Like a sweet savour, like a precious heritage, it lingers here.
1936 M. R. Anand Coolie iii. 146 The foul savour of human and animal breath.
2005 Daily Tel. 9 Aug. 18/2 The fruity tang of bog that's been thoroughly soaked all spring and is yielding its rich, rooty savour to the liberating warmth of summer on a dry breeze.
b. spec. The smell of sacrifices and incense regarded as pleasing to God or gods. Also figurative, esp. with reference to spiritual sacrifices.In early use chiefly in translations of, or allusions to, biblical passages, as Genesis 8:21, Numbers 28:13, Ezekiel 6:13, 2 Corinthians 2:15, and Ephesians 5:2.
ΚΠ
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1977) l. 510 When bremly brened þose besteȝ..Þe sauour of his sacrafyse soȝt to hym.
1530 Bible (Tyndale) Gen. viii. f. xv And Noe..offred sacrifyce vppon the aulter. And the Lorde smellyd a swete savoure and sayd in his hert: I wyll henceforth no more curse the erth for mannes sake.
1568 H. Charteris Pref. Lyndesay's Wks. in J. A. H. Murray Minor Poems D. Lyndesay (1871) 7* Our Prelates..apprehendit..Paull Craw..& maid ane Sacrifice of him in Sanctandrois. And findand the sawour of this Sacrifice fragrant and smelland, thay tuke the Uicar of Dolour [etc.].
1618 H. Ainsworth Annot. Third Bk. Moses, called Leuiticus (xxi. 21) sig. Bb2v/2 If he transgress, and doe offer (in the sanctuarie) his offring is not of a sweet smelling savour.
a1668 J. Bernard & J. Alleine Let. in T. Alleine Life J. Alleine (1672) xl. 165 Because we could think of no more pleasing a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, we have stirred up our selves and Friends with us, to send to you..this poor Token of Love, which though but small, yet we trust will be a sweet savour unto God.
1743 J. Horler Vindic. Gospel Jesus Christ 381 From whence..did this sweet Savour ascend?
1809 C. A. Elton tr. Hesiod Remains 162 On thy altar let unblemish'd thighs In fragrant savour to th'immortals rise [Gk. ἐπὶ δ᾽ ἀγλαὰ μηρία καίειν].
1847 A. J. Jukes Law of Offerings in Leviticus 96 Who is there that has been cast into sifting circumstances..without feeling how much there is in us which could not be a sweet savour on the altar?
1918 Raleigh (W. Va.) Herald 4 July 6/3 On Flemish plains, I've offered thee A sacrifice..And over Europe I have poured As savor to Thee, O Lord, A red and ever swelling flood Of the English, French, and Russian blood.
1992 C. Logue Kings 32 Fire the cedar, fire the clove..That the reek may lie..And the savour lift.
II. Flavour, taste, and related figurative and extended uses.† 6. Knowledge, understanding. Obsolete.
3. † c. Something added to food as a flavouring or seasoning. Obsolete.
a. The quality perceived by the sense of taste; a specific taste or flavour, esp. (in later use) a touch or hint of a flavour other than the prevailing one. Also in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [noun]
smacka1000
savour?c1225
relesec1330
tastea1382
sentimentc1400
smatchc1400
taragec1407
tangc1440
weffec1440
tallage14..
sapor1477
verdurea1513
verdour1526
relish1530
verder1532
gustc1540
waft1542
smacker1549
talent1550
tack1602
tache1607
tincture1610
twang1611
foretaster1632
flavour1693
gusto1713
goût1751
saporosity1794
gustativeness1827
savouring1840
sipidity1880
palate1973
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 82 Þis cos [= kiss] leoue sustren aswetnesse & a delit of heorte swa unmete swete. þet euch worldes sauur is bitter þer to ȝeines.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 25 Ne lef non oþer, crysteman, For safour ne coloure; For þat colour ne þat sauour Ne beþ nauȝt þer inne cryste.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 9988 Hyt semeþ brede, as be syȝt, And as brede, sauer haþ ryȝt.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Gouernaunce of Princis (1993) xxxii. 107 Claret wyne..chosin be the odour colour & sauour.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 208 (MED) By the tonge we felen the dyuersite of Sauores, Swetnes and bittyrnesse, Saltnesse and egyrnesse, and othyr Saueoure [perh. read Sauoure].
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. i. 7 Sounds, Sents, Sauors and Feelings.
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique iii. xlix. 533 Cyders differ one from an other especially in colour and sauour or relish.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd ii. 342 Meats of noblest sort And savour . View more context for this quotation
1726 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xv. 155 Viands of various kinds allure the taste Of choicest sort and savour; rich repast!
1774 E. Stanhope tr. Ld. Chesterfield in Ld. Chesterfield Lett. to Son I. 144 [The waters] are very heating, and disagreeable to the taste, having the savour of rotten eggs.
1826 Amer. Farmer 7 July 125/1 The nature of this fine animal [sc. the turtle] is not understood by European cooks; they distrust the genuine savour, and all but annihilate it by bilious addiments of their own composition.
1841 M. Elphinstone Hist. India I. ii. v. 233 Qualities of body; namely,—colour, savour, odour, feel [etc.].
1901 ‘J. S. Winter’ Magic Wheel xxiii. 252 It's sorry fare—very sorry fare, but tastes sweet—it has the savour of life about it.
1956 H. Hibbett tr. N. Kansuke in D. Keene Mod. Japanese Lit. 258 There was the delicate savor of the citron, the sharp taste of soy sauce, and a cold, slippery feeling.
1990 N.Y. Mag. 2 Apr. 89/3 Seared duck breast has a savor of char.
b. Appetizing or pleasing flavour. Also: pronounced or savoury flavour. Chiefly in negative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [noun] > quality of having taste
savourc1450
sapidity1646
sapidness1649
grip1892
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 65 (MED) Þer wyne had nowder colour nor savor.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxxxiiii. 178 They..ete black brede and metes of lytyll sauoure.
1577 N.T. (Genev.) : Matt. v. 13 But if the salte haue lost his sauour [Gk. ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ] wher with shal one salt?
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 106 His house is as empty of Religion, as the white of an Egg is of savour . View more context for this quotation
1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum Hogoe, (in Cookery), a Mess so called from its high savour or relish.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xiii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. II. 338 I see auld fruit has little savour—our suffering and our services have been of an ancient date.
1882 ‘Ouida’ In Maremma I. 12 The lads felt that when no more tales could be told of the king of Maremma, savour would be gone out of the goatsflesh roasted in the charcoal in the woods.
1943 J. Robins Incomplete Anglers 122 Tom's fine-cut tobacco had lost much of its savour.
1992 S. Holloway Courage High! xxxi. 266/2 Inch-thick wads of bread and butter with slices of strong cheese and a dish of raw onion to add savour to the snack.
2008 Washington Post (Nexis) 6 July (Mag. section) 3 A spinach salad strewn with dried cranberries, mushroom slices, dabs of goat cheese and mandarin oranges adds up to little savor.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > additive > spice > [noun]
pigment?a1200
aromac1220
spicea1250
spicery1297
specea1300
specerya1400
espice1483
savoura1500
sorts1530
speciesa1649
Arabia1693
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 187 (MED) Lette hungyre yeue the talent, and not Sause ne Saueure.
4.
a. Pleasing, enjoyable, or attractive quality; merit, value. Now frequently in negative constructions.Sometimes with allusion to Matthew 5:13 (and Luke 14:34); cf. quot. 1577 at sense 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [noun]
worthOE
worthfulnessOE
price?c1225
savour?c1225
aughtshipc1275
dearworthinessc1325
worthiness1372
preciousnessc1390
richesa1400
preciosity1402
valeur1433
valurec1440
preciousheadc1450
vail1471
paragea1475
valour?a1475
availa1522
vailance1532
validity1593
carat1600
condignity1605
valiant1606
esteeming1609
self-worth1610
telling1636
valuableness?1649
worthship1664
treasurableness1898
the mind > emotion > excitement > pleasurable excitement > [noun] > making piquantly exciting > that which
savour?c1225
sauce1561
haut-goût1650
rocambole1702
zest1709
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 110 Salt bitacneð wisdom. for salt ȝeueð mete smech. & wisdom ȝeueð sauur al þet we wurcheð.
c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) l. 72 Þauh hit on Englisch be dim and derk, Ne nabbe no sauur bifore [a] clerk.
c1400 (?a1300) Kyng Alisaunder (Laud) (1952) l. 2840 (MED) Tofore þe kyng com on harpoure, And made a lay of gret sauoure.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. ccxxv/1 She had sothly the bame of good odour & sauoure in conuersacion.
1636 S. Rogers Diary 16 Mar. (2004) 48 Untoward, earthye, sinking, oh litle savour find I in private dutyes betweene the Lord, and my owne soule.
1650 Truth's Confl. with Error i. 11 This is to put a nonsense upon the place, and to destroy the savor that is in it.
1698 J. Norris Pract. Disc. Divine Subj. IV. 42 The Things of Religion,..that Divine Salt, that will give a wholesom and relishing Savour to our Conversation.
1775 Crit. Rev. Feb. 116 Some passges in this poem..might once have pleased the taste of sir Philip Sydney..; but let us not pronounce, that what has now lost its savour, was in fact originally insipid.
1853 J. B. Marsden Hist. Early Puritans (ed. 2) xi. 334 Principles which are permitted to lie barren soon lose their savour.
1885 M. Pattison Mem. 298 All the savour of life is departed.
1922 Forbes 5 Aug. 440/2 His old story may be new to the listener but to the ear and tongue of the travelling man it has no savor.
1998 I. de la Bere Last Deception Palliser Wentwood vii. 195 I'm not a young man any more, I don't find your funfairs and drunkenness and fast cars and japes have any savour now.
b. Character, type; a characteristic quality, esp. a slight admixture of such a quality; a hint, trace, or tinge of something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [noun]
kindeOE
i-cundeOE
mannera1225
jetc1330
colour1340
hair1387
estrete1393
gendera1398
hedea1400
savourc1400
stockc1450
toucha1500
rate1509
barrel1542
suit1548
fashion1562
special1563
stamp1573
family1598
garb1600
espece1602
kidney1602
bran1610
formality1610
editiona1627
make1660
cast1673
tour1702
way1702
specie1711
tenor1729
ilk1790
genre1816
stripe1853
persuasion1855
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > essence or intrinsic nature > [noun]
pitheOE
i-cundeeOE
roota1325
substancec1330
juicec1380
marrowa1382
formc1385
acta1398
quidditya1398
substantial forma1398
inward1398
savourc1400
inwardc1450
allaya1456
essencya1475
being1521
bottom1531
spirit?1534
summary1548
ecceity1549
core1556
flower1568
formality1570
sum and substance1572
alloy1594
soul1598
inwardness1605
quid1606
fibre1607
selfness1611
whatness1611
essentialityc1616
propera1626
the whole shot1628
substantiala1631
esse1642
entity1643
virtuality1646
ingeny1647
quoddity1647
intimacy1648
ens1649
inbeing1661
essence1667
interiority1701
intrinsic1716
stamen1758
character1761
quidditas1782
hyparxis1792
rasa1800
bone1829
what1861
isness1865
inscape1868
as-suchness1909
Wesen1959
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > a small quantity or amount > a slight touch or trace
specec1330
taste1390
lisounc1400
savourc1400
smatcha1500
smell?a1505
spice1531
smack1539
shadow1586
surmise1586
relish1590
tang1593
touch1597
stain1609
tincture1612
dasha1616
soula1616
twanga1640
whiff1644
haut-goût1650
casta1661
stricturea1672
tinge1736
tinct1752
vestige1756
smattering1764
soupçon1766
smutch1776
shade1791
suspicion1809
lineament1811
trait1815
tint1817
trace1827
skiff1839
spicing1844
smudgea1871
ghost1887
society > communication > indication > [noun] > an indication or sign > slight
sparklec1380
odourc1384
smell?a1505
savour?1531
casta1556
obumbrationa1631
smite1640
subindication1655
smattering1764
whiff1872
breath1873
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. ix. l. 150 (MED) If þe fader be false..þe sone shal haue..a sauoure after þe sire.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) l. 6914 (MED) Wommen..Alle of oo sauour..are.
?1531 tr. Plutarch Howe One may take Profite of Enmyes f. 9v Sylence where as hit is alwaye gyltles, and not only not hurtfull, hit hath besydes in chydynge, a sauour of Socrates constance, or of Hercules force.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear iv. 231 This admiration is much of the sauour of other your new prankes. View more context for this quotation
1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes 316 There was a savour of too much superstition in forbearing the sound.
1638 F. Rous Heavenly Acad. x. 186 Let the excellent & unmatchable ointments of Christ Jesus give an excellent savour to your works.
1789 M. Madan in New & Literal Transl. Juvenal & Persius II. 292 We have the relish or savour of morose uncle-guardians in our reproofs of others.
1859 Once a Week 1 Oct. 272/2 A stout old gentleman..with a general savour of the Regency buck about him.
1867 G. A. Macfarren Six Lect. Harmony ii. 66 Practised by modern musicians when they wish to give an antique savour to any particular passage.
1913 Yale Alumni Weekly 4 July 1073/1 Yale..prefers the good old word ‘bowl’ with its savor of manly English sport, to the ‘coliseum’ of the Romans.
1940 F. J. Sheed Sidelights on Catholic Revival 107 In one sentence is the savour of the whole.
1994 J. Updike in Guardian 28 June ii. 17/1 A curious primitivity, a savour of folk-medicine, clings to this new cure.
5. Relish or taste for something; delight, enjoyment, satisfaction. Also: an instance of this. †to catch (a) savour: to acquire a taste or liking (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > [noun] > fact of being to one's taste > taste (for something)
savour?c1225
toothc1386
palate1435
taste1477
relish1590
gust1609
gusto1647
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > take a fancy or liking [verb (intransitive)] > be to one's taste or liking > acquire a taste or liking
to catch (a) savourc1500
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 170 We ne findeð swetnesse in nan þing þet we doð ne sauur of heorte.
c1390 W. Hilton Expos. Qui habitat & Bonum Est (1954) 66 (MED) He is a fool þat nouþur haþ wit ne sauour in knowynge of gostly þinges.
c1440 (?a1375) Abbey Holy Ghost (Thornton) in G. G. Perry Relig. Pieces in Prose & Verse (1914) 59 Plente of oyle, þat es, for to hafe delyte and sauoyre in God.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxxxiiii. 177 Good wynes, wherto the good Heremyte tooke soo good a sauoure that he..dranke soo moche, that he was dronke.
c1500 (a1449) J. Lydgate Isopes Fabules (Trin. Cambr.) l. 325 in Minor Poems (1934) ii. 577 (MED) When [a] iorrour haþe caught sauour ones To be forsworn, custom makeþ hym strong.
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. iv. 140 When they had caughte a sauour in this holye daye loytering,..thei made a longe holy daye also of the whole seuenth yere.
1607 Trag. Cæsar & Pompey iii. v. sig. F3 Cassius..Whose sauor slaughter is, and dandling death, Bloud-thirsty pleasures and misboding blisse.
1706 S. Browne Caveat against Evil Company 77 I comprehend such who may be civiliz'd, but have no powerful Savour of Religion, nor by their Converse discover any serious Regard to the great Matters of God, their Souls and Eternity.
1802 Minutes Methodist Conf. (1813) II. lix. 142 If they have no savour for the word of God they can have no savour of God himself.
1829 J. T. Nottidge Let. 25 Nov. in Select. Corr. (1849) iii. v. 213 Many hours in the day I seem able to do nothing—not even to pursue actively and with savor any amusement.
1866 Earthen Vessel & Christian Rec. 1 Nov. 353/1 This active brother prayed with much savour at the opening of the evening service.
1929 M. de la Roche Whiteoaks xxii. 307 The idea of missing any of the excitement, of losing any of the savour of being with these two males..was intolerable to her exuberant femininity.
1950 Billboard 7 Jan. 39/1 When it is played with savor and appreciation, there is nonsensical fun in its doings.
2004 A. Hollinghurst Line of Beauty v. 118 Gerald shook his head in the savour of triumph.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > [noun]
anyitOE
eyesightc1175
sightc1175
sentimentc1374
mindc1384
intentc1386
fantasyc1400
savoura1425
spiritsc1450
perceiverancea1500
perceiverationa1500
senses1528
perceivance1534
sense1553
kenc1560
mind-sight1587
knowledge1590
fancy1593
animadversion1596
cognition1651
awaring1674
perception1678
scan1838
apperception1848
perceivedness1871
a1425 Medulla Gram. (Stonyhurst) f. 57 Sales, sauour, wysdom.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4474 Ȝe haue na sauour..how þat þe kyng of heuen..has na hert vs to here.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclviiiv Of this haue I yet no sauour, without better declaration.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. iii. 1–6 Christ..of whome they had a certayne sauour and vnderstandyng.
1633 G. Herbert Dialogue in Temple iii But as I can see no merit, Leading to this favour: So the way to fit me for it, Is beyond my savour.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
savoursavorv.
/ˈseɪvə/, U.S. /ˈseɪvər/ I. To have a savour.
1. (Frequently as a figurative use of sense 2.)† a. transitive. To be pleasing or agreeable to (a person, the senses, etc.). Obsolete.† c. intransitive. Chiefly with to, unto, with, etc. To be pleasing or agreeable (to the person or thing specified). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > please or give pleasure [verb]
ylikeeOE
belovec1225
savoura1300
belike1770
pleasure1937
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > please or give pleasure to [verb (transitive)]
i-quemec893
ywortheOE
queemeOE
likeOE
likeOE
paya1200
gamec1225
lustc1230
apaya1250
savoura1300
feastc1300
comfort1303
glew1303
pleasec1350
ticklec1386
feedc1400
agreea1413
agreec1425
emplessc1450
gree1468
applease1470
complaire1477
enjoy1485
warm1526
to claw the ears1549
content1552
pleasure1556
oblect?1567
relish1567
gratify1569
sweeta1575
promerit1582
tinkle1582
tastea1586
aggrate1590
gratulatea1592
greeta1592
grace1595
arride1600
complease1604
honey1604
agrade1611
oblectate1611
oblige1652
placentiate1694
flatter1695
to shine up to1882
fancy-
a1300 (?a1250) Serm. (Trin. Cambr.) in Bull. Mod. Humanities Res. Assoc. (1928) 2 106 Man &..womman þat lat in godis word atte ton ere & vt atte toþir..; nout sauouret hem þat te prechur spekit.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. ix. l. 102 But ȝit sauereþ not me þi siggynge.
R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Mending of Life 124 No-þinge to it is sweyt, no-þinge it sauyrs, bot in Ihesu it be made sweit.
a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 109 (MED) To whom þou sauorist, what shal not sauore him ariȝt?
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Civ Sith the mater is all spiritual, it shall but lytell sauour or please the tast of them that be carnal.
b. intransitive. With well, ill, etc. To have a specified effect; to appear in a certain way. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > be pleasant or enjoyable [verb (intransitive)]
likeeOE
pleasea1393
savoura1400
payc1400
savourc1440
relish1594
smile1594
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 25885 ‘Man,’ he sais, ‘quin cuth þow fele Hu pine o þis lijf sauure wele.’
c1460 Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean) (1960) 47 Euery þing sauourith to such on as it owith forto sauour, erthly þing vile and gostly þing faire.
a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 109 (MED) If it shal be acceptable & sauore wel, it bihoueþ þy grace..to make it sauory wiþ þe condiment of þy wisdom.
1649 J. Ellistone tr. J. Böhme Epist. xxxv. 212 It is indeed a very great wonder, that he should make so great a stirre against so small a piece of Devotion, sure it must needes not relish, but savour ill with him.
1747 C. Colden Hist. Five Nations of Canada ii. viii. 139 Let us not reproach one another, such Words do not savour well among friends.
1829 R. Rickards India I. i. 83 When..the Indian monopoly began to savour badly with the public, and to require the aid of collateral props, alarms were again industriously spread.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Vision of Sin in Poems (new ed.) II. 222 What is loathsome to the young Savours well to thee and me.
1901 Australasian Med. Gaz. 21 Oct. 455/2 It certainly savours badly for the future of the profession.
1946 Billboard 9 Nov. 58/3 Cotton Queen contest with 80 participants savors well for the rest of the stand.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > be pleasant or enjoyable [verb (intransitive)]
likeeOE
pleasea1393
savoura1400
payc1400
savourc1440
relish1594
smile1594
c1440 (?a1396) W. Hilton in G. G. Perry Eng. Prose Treat. (1921) 16 Ilk a creature sauoure to hym..when by grace he sese, or he heres, or he felys anely Godd in all creaturs.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) 1st Prol. 4 That lyke as it [sc. the service] goyth dayly throughe your mouthes so let yt synke & sauoure contynually in youre hartes.
a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 94 This advise could not savour to that young Nobleman.
a1660 Aphorismical Discov. in J. T. Gilbert Contemp. Hist. Ireland (1879) I. 275 All the sermon of that daie..was of this and such other like stuffe, as not pleasinge or sauoringe unto Christian eares.
1668 J. Howe Blessednesse of Righteous vii. 107 Nothing savors with me, I can take comfort in nothing.
2. Of food or drink.† a. transitive. To please, to satisfy. Obsolete.† b. intransitive. To taste a specified way; (also) to have a pleasing or agreeable taste. Also with to. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > be content or satisfied with [verb (transitive)] > content or satisfy
paya1200
apaya1250
pleasec1350
assythc1375
savourc1390
filsen?a1425
satisfy?a1425
sufficec1430
satify1434
applease1470
content1477
assethe1481
appetite1509
syth1513
satisfice?1531
gratify1569
gree1570
explenish1573
promerit1582
accommodate1624
placentiate1694
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. vii. l. 249 Ete not, Ich hote þe til hunger þe take, And sende þe sum of his sauce to sauer þe þe betere.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3647 I sal þam dight til his be-houe, A mete als he was wonto loue; It sal him sauur al to will, Ete he sal þer-of his fill.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1882) VIII. 17 Þer was noo licoure that savoured his mowthe or that he myȝhte discerne in that hit made his chekes colde.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [verb (intransitive)] > have a taste
smatchc1000
brykec1315
smack1398
smake14..
savourc1405
taragec1407
taste1552
relish1566
eat1607
drink1617
seasona1625
bite1713
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §48 For soothly, ther is no thyng þt sauoureth so wel to a child as the mylk of his norice.
c1484 J. de Caritate tr. Secreta Secret. (Takamiya) (1977) 157 Þe mowth is salt, and in þe mowth of þe stomak þe mete þat is etyn sauiryth byttyr.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 698/2 This potage savoureth, whiche we use whan the meate is sodden to the pottes bottome.
1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 129 In the fourth day, to sprinckle your seedes with water,..for by that meanes (saith he) they will sauour much better.
1634 G. Herbert tr. Cornarus Treat. Temperance 8 That Proverb, wherewith Gluttons use to defend themselves, to wit, That which savours, is good and nourisheth.
c. intransitive. To taste of something. Now somewhat rare.
ΚΠ
a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 9465 (MED) An appyl..savoureth..Off the Tre that yt kam fro.
1686 W. Harris tr. N. Lémery Course Chym. (ed. 2) i. vi. 119 Water..that's heated or boil'd in a Copper vessel for a whole day together, savours not at all, or not so much, of the Copper.
a1739 C. Jarvis tr. M. de Cervantes Don Quixote (1742) II. xiii. 63 The first said, the wine savoured of iron; the second said, it had rather a tang of goat's leather.
1841 C. J. Lever Charles O'Malley lii. 262 A little weak wine savouring more of the borachio-skin than vine-juice.
1914 A. H. Verill Cuba Past & Present iv. 44 Custard apples, with their rough green and brown skins, containing a cool creamy pulp that savours of vanilla ice cream.
2008 F. Kaufman Short Hist. Amer. Stomach (2009) p. xiv The industry's endless quest for the next big flavor, be it leather, oak, seawater foam, or mousse that savors of the earth.
3. † b. intransitive. To smell unpleasantly, to stink. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. To emit a (specified) scent or odour; to smell (of something). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (intransitive)]
stinkc725
steamOE
smellc1175
smakec1315
savoura1400
taragec1407
flavourc1425
scentc1460
breathea1500
smell1526
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 1396 As a medue hyt was grene,..And saueryd swete as spycerye.
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 275 Þer in saym and in sorȝe þat sauoured as helle, Þer watz bylded his bour.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 50 (MED) Þer nys no brent sence þat sauereth so swete yn mannys nase as doþe deuote oreson yn Goddys nase.
a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. Clxxxiiii Was dulcet & swete to ye mouth..& sauoured wele to the nose.
1548 H. Latimer Notable Serm. sig. A.iiii As the saffrone bagge..,doth euer after sauoure and smel of the swete saffron that it conteyned.
1568 (?a1513) W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 252 Fy, quod the Feynd, Thow sairis of blek; Ga clenge the clene and cum to me.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 111 Parthenium..bringeth forth a white floure, sauouring like an apple, and having a bitter tast.
?c1625 in E. Beveridge & J. D. Westwood Fergusson's Sc. Prov. (1924) No. 800 Its kyndly the pock savour [1641 sare; Carmichael saure] of the herring.
a1739 C. Jarvis tr. M. de Cervantes Don Quixote (1742) I. iii. iv. 104 The more you stir it, friend Sancho, the worse it will savour, answered Don Quixote.
1767 C. Smart tr. Horace Epistles i. xix, in tr. Horace Wks. (new ed.) IV. 154 The poets have not ceased to vie with each other in wine taken by night, and to savour of it by day.
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise: Pt. IV 218 The spilt blood savoured horribly.
1898 Argosy June 476 Her breath savored strongly of vodka.
1919 F. R. Fraprie tr. A. Hallays Spell of Alsace ii. 21 The church savored of the forest. This perfume made the shadow of the stone vaults cooler.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > fetor > stink [verb (intransitive)]
stinkc725
stenchc950
to-stinka1382
smella1400
savour?1440
stew1563
reek1609
funk1694
pen-and-ink1892
whiff1899
niff1900
hum1902
pong1906
honk1959
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 751 (MED) Thy myddyng, sette hit weete, as hit may rote And sauour nought.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 225 The kynge..than lete lappe hem in lede that for chauffynge other chongyng they sholde never savoure.
1536 Prymer Salysbery Use (STC 15992) f. cxxiv Whan he [sc. Lazarus] in the same foure dayes had lyen So that hys body beganne to sauoure.
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1637) 348 Like the snuffe of a candle, which all men looked upon even now when it shined, and now it so savours, that they tread it under foot.
4.
a. intransitive. To show traces of the presence or influence of something, esp. something bad or disliked; to be suggestive or redolent of. †to savour of the pan: to betray one's origin; cf. sense 2c (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > be similar [verb (intransitive)] > have a touch, tinge, or suggestion of
soundc1340
smatchc1380
soundc1380
savourc1454
smell1526
taste1559
relish1577
smacka1616
reflect1617
seasona1625
tincture1787
twang1821
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > furnish evidence [phrase] > its origin
to savour of the pana1555
c1454 R. Pecock Folewer to Donet 101 Forto enquere whi it plesid god forto ordeyne þe seid natural passions..saueriþ sumwhat of curiosite and of veynnesse.
1494 Loutfut MS f. 36v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Savo(u)r A man cummyn of noble vertueus..spekand of all gud sauorand of all suetnes.
a1555 N. Ridley in M. Coverdale Certain Lett. Martyrs (1564) 72 A work of Eneas Siluius,..In the which..there be many thinges that sauoureth of the pan.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. vi. xxiv. 110 The phrase of that epistle sauoreth very muche of the Greeke tongue.
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion To Rdr. sig. A1 The Idle Humerous world must heare of nothing, that..sauors of Antiquity.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 9 The matter of that Epistle savoureth of the purer times of the Church.
1700 J. Dryden Fables Pref. sig. *Aij I have written nothing which savours of Immorality or Profaneness.
1722 A. Ramsay Tale Three Bonnets i. 9 Your Courtship sars sae rankly Of selfish Interest.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones I. i. x. 53 Such Solicitations from Superiors always savour very strongly of Commands. View more context for this quotation
1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 234 But the institutions savour of superstition in their very principle. View more context for this quotation
1820 S. T. Coleridge Coll. Lett. (1971) V. 115 You will think it childish in me and more savouring of a jealous Boarding School Miss than a Friend and a Philosopher.
1870 J. H. Newman Ess. Gram. Assent ii. viii. 332 Cromwell, whose actions savoured of the boldest logic, was a confused speaker.
1894 H. Drummond Lowell Lect. Ascent of Man 47 A spectacular act..savours of the magician.
1910 Blackwood's Mag. Apr. 585/1 Mr. Shaw is the vestryman of dramatists. His work savours horribly of St. Pancras.
1932 B. Segale At End of Sante Fe Trail iv. iii. 346 Anything in a public school that savors of sectarianism brings us into trouble.
1964 Daily Tel. 3 Feb. 12 It savours of all the neo-Gothicism of Sir Walter Scott.
2000 P. Langford Englishness Identified ii. 130 This defence..savoured of desperation but was often resorted to.
b. transitive. To be suggestive or redolent of (something, esp. something bad or disliked). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > have a touch of or show traces of
soundc1340
soundc1380
soundc1449
savour1574
attingea1639
flavour1887
1574 J. Whitgift Def. Aunswere to Admon. ii. 109 For it neyther savoureth the spirite of God, neither yet any modest and good nature, but [etc.].
a1635 T. Randolph Muses Looking-glasse iii. iii. 53 in Poems (1638) Orgy. Would thou wert worth the killing. Colax. A good wish, Savouring as well discretion, as bold valour.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 1043 Wilful barrenness, That..savours onely Rancor and pride. View more context for this quotation
1754 G. Washington Diary 28 May (1976) 198 The Summons was so insolent, and savoured the Gasconnade so much, that [etc.].
1906 Athenæum 23 June 758/2 ‘One ail for thee and me’, instead of ‘wail’; ‘went by her like their flames’, instead of ‘thin flames’—these savour the printer.
II. To taste, smell, or otherwise perceive something.† 6.
5.
a. transitive. To perceive (a scent or odour); to smell, esp. (in later use) with enjoyment. Now rare except as merged with sense 5c.intransitive in quot. a1382.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (transitive)] > exercise the sense of smell
snevec1200
snokec1380
savoura1382
thevea1400
whiff1635
nesea1637
scent1638
venta1640
taste1656
snift1736
sniff1792
olfact1805
to run up1815
smell1831
sniffa1845
snuff1858
smellsip1922
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (transitive)] > track or perceive using sense of smell
i-stinkc1000
smellc1175
smakec1220
feelc1225
asmellc1320
savoura1382
scenta1425
winda1425
get1530
vent1575
nose1577
smell1608
resent1614
snuff1697
to get (also take, pick up) the scent1723
to carry scent1753
find1827
snuffle1871
flair1919
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xxx. 19 What shal profiten sacrifise to the maumet? and forsothe he shal not eten, ne sauouren [L. nec odorabit].
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Gen. viii. 21 The Lord sauerede the odour of swetnesse [L. odoratusque est Dominus odorem suavitatis].
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 191 And þerwyth he felde þe swetyst smell þat euer he saverde.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) ccx. 22 What vayleth the flowre To stond still and wither? Yf no man yt savour Yt servis onlye for sight.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xvi. 38 Filths sauor but themselues. View more context for this quotation
1864 Daily Tel. 8 Sept. You have the moor pretty much to yourself, can savour all its wild perfume, and listen to all its cries.
1968 E. Huxley Love among Daughters xiii. 187 I savoured a smell of mud, reeds, tree roots, river.
b. transitive. To perceive (a taste); to taste (something). In later use usually: to taste with relish, to dwell on the taste of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [verb (transitive)]
fandc893
cunc1175
smatch?c1225
swallowa1340
tastea1400
savour?a1425
strain1533
relish1592
pree1680
?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 249 Þe taast sauereth noþing ellis but þe sauour of breed.
a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (BL Add. 9066) (1879) 373 When he sauours the soure barke with oute for bitternesse he leuyth the swete kyrnell with in.
1863 G. A. Lawrence Border & Bastille xi. 211 After savouring that rich liquid velvet, you will not wonder that the house has long been a favourite with the Southern Sybarites.
1926 Glasgow Herald 26 Mar. 10 I've savoured an escargot.
1968 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. 8 Feb. 337/1 Only one anosmic subject stated she could savor nothing. Just why olfaction is of greater importance to some people than to others in the savoring of foods is not clear.
1998 Cruising World Oct. 52/3 Savor such local fruits as mango, sunrise (strawberry), papaya, and apple bananas.
c. transitive. figurative. To enjoy or appreciate fully; to take lingering pleasure or delight in.
ΚΠ
1560 Bible (Geneva) Job xx. 13 Wickednes was swete in his mouthe, & he hid it vnder his tongue, And sauoured it, and would not forsake it.
1607 R. C. in tr. H. Estienne World of Wonders Ep. Ded. i. sig. ¶3v Others (of a more refined and sublimate temper) can sauour nothing but that which exceeds the vulgar capacitie.
1798 tr. L. F. L. de Lignac Physical View Man & Woman I. v. 206 Could Nature see man reproduce his likeness, and he not seem to savour the delicacies which are attached to those precious moments!
1865 Pall Mall Gaz. 17 June 11/1 We savour at our leisure the delicate satire which we were too excited to appreciate duly.
1883 ‘Holme Lee’ Loving & Serving I. iii. 42 He moved hither and thither about his silent house,..savouring his strange pain.
1930 N. Coward Private Lives ii. 55 Let's savour the delight of the moment.
1969 A. MacLean Puppet on Chain ii. 28 The tourist sallying forth for the first time to savour the sights and sounds of nighttime Amsterdam.
1992 Eng. Today Apr. 50/1 Jackson has a nice turn of phrase and produces epigrams to be savoured.
2010 New Yorker 6 Dec. 58/3 He wastes no time savoring victory but immediately moves toward his next goal.
a. intransitive. To have knowledge or understanding; to engage in contemplation or reflection. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > have knowledge of [verb (intransitive)]
canOE
to know of ——c1350
savoura1382
understanda1400
kenc1400
weeta1547
to keep up to1712
to know about ——1761
to be (or get) wise to1896
to wise up1905
to have heard of1907
to be (or get) jerry (on, on to, to)1908
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1961) Deut. xxxii. 29 Folk wiþoute conseil it is & wiþoute wisdom; wolde god þei saueredyn & vnderstodyn & last þyngys purueyȝedyn.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 1020 (MED) In wantonn werkes and wylde he thoght and sauourd as a childe.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 3964 (MED) Beryn saverid wele ther-on & fast he gan to lern.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xciii. 8 Vndirstandis, ȝe vnwise in the folke and fulis, sumtyme sauers.
b. transitive. To understand, comprehend; to perceive, apprehend. Also: to experience. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > operation upon something > have effect on [verb (transitive)] > be subjected to or undergo an action > undergo or experience
feelOE
seeOE
passa1325
provec1330
attastec1374
wielda1375
tastec1380
sufferc1390
to pass through ——c1400
expert?a1475
traverse1477
experiment1484
savour1509
to taste of1526
to go through ——1535
sustain1575
approve1578
try1578
experience1588
undergo1600
to run through ——1602
pree1806
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > detect
seec1300
perceivec1330
deprehend1523
read1561
wind1583
savour1602
subodorate1606
smoke1608
detect1756
to find out1883
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. xvi. 23 Sathanas..thou sauerist [1881 R.V. thou mindest; L. sapis] nat, or vndirstondist nat, tho thingis that ben of God.
c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 62 We seie not ne saurede none heueneliche þinges.
c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew l. 355 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 73 Sathana..þu miskennis, and saweris nocht þe thinge he god will haf in thocht.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xciii. §8. 338 Þe vnwis, wiþouten kunynge, & fulis, withouten puruyaunce of þe toþer warld, þat ere in noumbire of cristen men, vndirstandis and sauyrs þis.
1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. ciiiv Suche seldome sauour fortunes happynes.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 146 That we, in hartis, may sauour Thy mercy and thy fauour.
1602 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) xiii. lxxvii. 317 By now, perhaps, thou sauorests [sic] some Godhead.
1659 P. Heylyn Certamen Epistolare 8 In your writings I savour a spirit so very distant from my disposition, that I have small hopes that my words will escape your displeasure.
c. intransitive. Perhaps: to have a suspicion of. Obsolete. rare.H. J. Oliver in his 1968 edition of Dido Queen of Carthage suggests that the sense of to savour of here is ‘to care for, like’; cf. sense 7b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > lack of confidence, distrust, suspicion > be mistrustful, suspect [verb (intransitive)]
ortrowOE
souche1338
defyc1380
mistrusta1382
distrust1430
misdeema1450
misgive1567
misdoubt1580
suspect1593
savour1594
disconfide1627
suspicion1905
1594 C. Marlowe & T. Nashe Dido iii. sig. D2v Sister, I see you sauour of my wiles.
d. transitive. With out: to hunt out, to get wind of. Cf. smell v. 3. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > types of choice > choose in specific way [verb (transitive)] > choose in preference to others
have1340
prefera1393
to have rather1478
fain1483
prelect1620
dextralize1651
antepone1656
savour1714
preference1904
1714 A. Ramsay Elegy John Cowper i There's none..Could sa'r sculdudry out like John.
7.
a. transitive. To like the taste of (something); to enjoy eating (a food). Also in figurative contexts. Formerly also intransitive with in.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > savouriness > impart a pleasant taste [verb (transitive)] > relish
savoura1387
assavour1483
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1882) VIII. 17 (MED) He wolde seie þat he savered water, for hit kelede his mouþ and his jowes.
a1500 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Stowe) l. 16990 Tyl I hadde gone to Scole with Trybulacion, I savoured fful lytil in the soote mylk of grace.
?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce 65 If a man giue them any deintier meate, they can not sauour it, and suche as they sauoure not, they vtterly dispise.
1903 V. D. Scudder Listener in Babel v. 92 I can't seem to get her what she'll relish to eat. I fry a bit o' meat most every day, but half the time she don't savor it.
1967 L. J. Gordon & S. M. Lee Econ. for Consumers (ed. 5) v. 78 The Vietnamese savor wild roots and the flesh of elephants, monkeys, and snakes.
2001 M. L. Fein Race & Morality v. 107 Foods that their masters did not savor..found their way onto their tables.
b. transitive. To like, to find agreeable; to care for. Now frequently in negative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [verb (transitive)] > enter into enjoyment of > enjoy or revel in
savoura1400
delighta1425
fain1483
to have, take felicity in or to1542
forage1593
batten1604
taste1605
to take out1609
to have a gust of1658
a1400 tr. R. Rolle Oleum Effusum (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1895) I. 186 (MED) I sauour [c1440 Thornton sauyre] noght Ioy þat with Ihesu es noght mengyd.
?a1425 (c1390) G. Chaucer Truth (BL Add. 10340) (1879) l. 5 Sauoure [a1456 Trin. Cambr. R.3.20(2) savour] no more þanne þe byhoue schal.
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Augustine (1910) 1 To þese both þe holy apostell saide he was dettour, to paye ech of hem aftir þat he sauoured.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. EEEii Some blynded with sensualite & carnall pleasure, sauoryng no thyng, but that onely that is delectable to the body.
1584 T. Lodge Alarum against Vsurers f. 19 Those that are earthly minded sauour not the things that are of God.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love iii. iv. sig. F2v Sauors himselfe alone, is only kind And louing to himselfe. View more context for this quotation
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart i. i. sig. B2 Beauteous Penthea..is now so yoak'd To a most barbarous thraldome..that He [sic] sauors not humanity.
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress (ed. 2) 26 He [sc. Worldly-Wiseman] savoureth only the Doctrine of this world.
1850 F. Nightingale Let. 1 May in European Trav. (2004) 389 I don't savour the Greek religion.
1868 E. Edwards Life Sir W. Ralegh I. xviii. 376 To give prominence to such rumours as they know will be savoured at their own Court.
1918 Reedy's Mirror 31 May 323/1 If he said something to the British officer which that dignitary did not savor, probably he ‘had his reasons’.
2001 C. M. Allen News is People viii. 140 She indeed was rough. She pronounced ‘news’ as ‘noose’ and did not savor prissy wardrobe guidelines.
III. To give a savour to.† 9. transitive. To impart an odour to. Obsolete. rare.
8. † b. transitive. To impart a taste to (something). With in indicating the taste imparted. Obsolete. rare.† c. transitive. figurative. To give a particular tone, character, or quality to; to imbue with. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To flavour or season; to add savoury flavour to. Also in figurative contexts (cf. savour n. 4a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > seasoning > season [verb (transitive)]
savourc1384
seasonc1400
condimentc1420
powder?c1425
saucea1438
pointa1450
tastea1577
palate1610
scent1655
condite1657
zest1705
kitchen1720
dress1795
flavour1830
to zing up1953
zap1979
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Coloss. iv. 6 Ȝoure word be sauerid [a1425 L.V. sauered; L. conditus] in salt, that is, wysdom.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 243 Flesche i-savered i-not by what vertu of herbes.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 825 (MED) Þenne ho saverez wyth salt her seuez uch one.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) xii. l. 494 Yf hit be not sauered worth a flie, Olyues grene ygrounde in hit let stie.
?a1450 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (BL Add. 12056) (1894) 75 Kyddes & lambres, & kalffes I-saveryde with agresta.
a1513 W. Dunbar Flyting in Poems (1998) I. 206 Powderit with prymros, sawrand all with clowis.
1693 R. Lyde True Acct. Retaking of Ship 9 Beef without any Salt to savour it.
1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth IV. 221 What Flesh is fitting for Man to Eat, Until our Herbs do savour the Meat?
1810 R. Southey Hist. Brazil I. xviii. 617 The ashes of a species of palm was their substitute [for salt], and this could only be used for savouring food, not for curing it.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman I. v. 98 The reader..would be but little edified to hear of the strange ways in which the various dishes were dressed, or the odd sauces with which they were savoured.
1862 N. Davis Ruined Cities ii. 32 He savoured our dishes so profusely that I was the only one who could partake of them.
1914 Atlantic Monthly June 835/2 If we vulgarize all art..until the round world contains nothing popular but mediocrity... Whence will come the salt to savor it?
1998 D. Eddings & L. Eddings Rivan Codex (1999) Pref. 28 Heaps of fresh-baked bread and rich, golden butter..and salt to savor it all.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [verb (transitive)] > impart taste
savoura1400
tinge1690
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 9986 Þarfore hys wysdom, hys owne rede, Sauerþ hyt [sc. Christ's flesh] yn wyne and brede.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > excitement > pleasurable excitement > affect with pleasurable excitement [verb (transitive)] > make piquantly exciting
farcea1340
seasonc1520
spice1529
sauce?1534
salt1576
savour1578
cantharidize1812
whoosh1909
zap1979
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 7 These old huddles hauing ouercharged their gorges with fancie, accompte all honest recreation meere folly, and hauinge taken a surfet of delyght, seeme now to sauor it with despight.
1612 Mr. King tr. Benvenuto Passenger ii. ii. 565 A sweete, but cruell yoake of seruitude, Loue surely is. Afflictions past, and perils seeme but sweet, they sauour all things to the Louers taste.
1804 Crit. Rev. Feb. 170 The flavour of the soil everywhere savours his [sc. Plautus's] idiomatic dialect, his domestic allusions, his autochthonous characters.
1889 J. Jacobs Fables of Æsop i. 196 He..has left out..that pinch of humour that has savoured the fabulist.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (transitive)]
breathe1532
flavour1542
season1559
smellc1595
resent1602
stop1607
fling1637
tinge1690
savour1832
odorize1857
steam1861
1832 H. Martineau Ireland ii. 28 On many a petition, savoured with a scent of potheen, did he turn his back.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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