I. ˈsent verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English senten, from Middle French sentir to feel, have the odor of, from Latin sentire to feel, perceive — more at sense
transitive verb
1.
a. : to perceive by the olfactory organs : smell
a hound scenting game
b. : to get or have an inkling of : detect the existence of
scent a plot
scent the morning air — Shakespeare
2. : to imbue or fill with odor agreeable or disagreeable
the air scented with wild thyme
3. : to perceive through touch or by the mind
intransitive verb
1. : to yield an odor of some specified kind
this scents of sulfur
also : to bear indication or suggestions — used with of
the very air scents of treachery
2. : to use the olfactory organ in seeking or tracking prey
dogs scent after rabbits
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English sent, from senten, v.
1. : emanations or effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell pleasantly or unpleasantly: as
a. : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over
dogs follow the scent
also : a course of pursuit : track of discovery
throw one off the scent
b. : a characteristic or particular odor ; especially : one that is agreeable
the scent of flowers
2.
a. obsolete : perception through touch or by the mind
b. : power of smelling : sense of smell
a keen scent
— used chiefly of a lower animal
c. : power of detection
a scent for heresy
: nose
3. : a premonitory indication : inkling , intimation
a scent of trouble
4. chiefly Britain : perfume 2
5. : bits of paper dropped by the hares in the game of hare and hounds to mark their course
6. : a mixture prepared for use as a lure on and around a trap (as for an animal) or in water (as for fish)
Synonyms: see fragrance , smell