[taste] vb tast.ed ; tast.ing [ME, to touch, test, taste, fr. MF taster, fr. (assumed) VL taxitare, freq. of L taxare to touch, feel--more at tax] vt (14c) 1: to become acquainted with by experience "has tasted the frustration of defeat"
2: to ascertain the flavor of by taking a little into the mouth
3: to eat or drink esp. in small quantities
4: to perceive or recognize as if by the sense of taste
5. archaic: appreciate, enjoy ~ vi 1: to eat or drink a little
2: to test the flavor of something by taking a small part into the mouth
3: to have perception, experience, or enjoyment: partake--often used with of
4: to have a specific flavor "the apple ~s sour"
[2]taste n (14c) 1 obs: test
2. a obs: the act of tasting b: a small amount tasted c: a small amount: bit; esp: a sample of experience "first ~ of success"
3: the one of the special senses that perceives and distinguishes the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is mediated by taste buds on the tongue
4: the objective sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance as perceived by the sense of taste
5. a: a sensation obtained from a substance in the mouth that is typically produced by the stimulation of the sense of taste combined with those of touch and smell: flavor b: the distinctive quality of an experience "that gruesome scene left a bad ~ in my mouth"
6: individual preference: inclination
7. a: critical judgment, discernment, or appreciation b: manner or aesthetic quality indicative of such discernment or appreciation