NOSE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nosu; akin to Old High German nasa ~, Latin nasus Date: before 12th century 1. the part of the face that bears the nostrils and covers the anterior part of the nasal cavity, the anterior part of the head at the top or end of the muzzle ; snout , proboscis , 2. the sense of smell ; olfaction , aroma , bouquet , the vertebrate olfactory organ, 4. the forward end or projection of something, the projecting or working end of a tool, the stem of a boat or its protective metal covering, 6. the ~ as a symbol of prying or meddling curiosity or interference, a knack for discovery or understanding , II. verb (~d; nosing) Date: circa 1587 transitive verb to detect by or as if by smell ; scent , 2. to push or move with the ~, to move (as a vehicle) ahead slowly or cautiously , to touch or rub with the ~ ; nuzzle , intransitive verb to use the ~ in examining, smelling, or showing affection, 2. to search impertinently ; pry , poke 2a, to move ahead slowly or cautiously , to move the forward end in a specified direction , to advance into a slight lead