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.
Derivatives:
relishable adj.
Etymology: alt. (with assim. to -ISH(2)) of obs. reles f. OF reles, relais remainder f. relaisser: see RELEASE