n. 1 a ball of mixed aromatic substances placed in a cupboard etc. or hist. carried in a box, bag, etc. as a protection against infection. 2 a (usu. spherical) container for this. 3 a spiced orange etc. similarly used.
[ earlier pom(e)amber f. AF f. OF pome d'embre f. med.L pomum de ambra apple of ambergris ]