n. & v.
--n.
1. a distinctive, esp. pleasant, smell (the scent of hay).
2 a a scent trail left by an animal perceptible to hounds etc. b clues etc. that can be followed like a scent trail (lost the scent in Paris). c the power of detecting or distinguishing smells etc. or of discovering things (some dogs have little scent; the scent for talent).
3 Brit. PERFUME 2.
4 a trail laid in a paper-chase.
--v.
1. tr. a discern by scent (the dog scented game). b sense the presence of (scent treachery).
2 tr. make fragrant or foul-smelling.
3 tr. (as scented adj.) having esp. a pleasant smell (scented soap).
4 intr. exercise the sense of smell (goes scenting about).
5 tr. apply the sense of smell to (scented the air).
Phrases and idioms:
false scent
1. a scent trail laid to deceive.
2 false clues etc. intended to deflect pursuers. on the scent having a clue. put (or throw) off the scent deceive by false clues etc. scent-bag a bag of aniseed etc. used to lay a trail in drag-hunting. scent-gland (or -organ) a gland in some animals secreting musk, civet, etc. scent out discover by smelling or searching.
Derivatives:
scentless adj.
Etymology: ME sent f. OF sentir perceive, smell, f. L sentire; -c- (17th c.) unexpl.