I. ˈsāj adjective
( sag·er ; sag·est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin * sapius, from Latin sapere to taste, have good taste, be wise; akin to Oscan sipus knowing, Old Saxon an sebbian to perceive
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : wise through reflection and experience
b. archaic : grave , solemn
2. : proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment
sage advice
Synonyms: see wise
• sage·ly adverb
• sage·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : one (as a profound philosopher) distinguished for wisdom
2. : a mature or venerable man of sound judgment
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French sage, salge, from Latin salvia, from salvus healthy; from its use as a medicinal herb — more at safe
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a European perennial mint ( Salvia officinalis ) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats ; broadly : salvia
b. : the fresh or dried leaves of sage
2. : sagebrush
3. : a light grayish green
[
sage 1a
]