I. ˈsent noun
Etymology: Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir
Date: 14th century
1. : effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: as
a. : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over
b. : a characteristic or particular odor ; especially : one that is agreeable
2.
a. : power of smelling : sense of smell
a keen scent
b. : power of detection : nose
a scent for heresy
3. : a course of pursuit or discovery
throw one off the scent
4. : inkling , intimation
a scent of trouble
5. : perfume 2
6. : bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds
7. : a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
Synonyms: see fragrance , smell
• scent·less ˈsent-ləs adjective
II. verb
Etymology: Middle English senten, from Anglo-French sentir to feel, smell, from Latin sentire to perceive, feel — more at sense
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to perceive by the olfactory organs : smell
b. : to get or have an inkling of
scent trouble
2. : to imbue or fill with odor
scent ed the air with perfume
intransitive verb
1. : to yield an odor of some specified kind
this scent s of sulfur
also : to bear indication or suggestions
2. : to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey