n. & v.
n. 1 (often foll. by for) a great liking or enjoyment. b keen or pleasurable longing (had no relish for travelling). 2 a an appetizing flavour. b an attractive quality (fishing loses its relish in winter). 3 a condiment eaten with plainer food to add flavour, esp. a piquant sauce, pickle, etc. 4 (foll. by of) a distinctive taste or tinge.
v.tr. 1 a get pleasure out of; enjoy greatly. b look forward to, anticipate with pleasure (did not relish what lay before her). 2 add relish to. relishable adj.
[ alt. (with assim. to -ISH(2)) of obs. reles f. OF reles, relais remainder f. relaisser: see RELEASE ]