scent

I. noun Etymology: Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir Date: 14th century 1. effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: as a. an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over b. a characteristic or particular odor; especially one that is agreeable 2. a. power of smelling ; sense of smell <

a keen scent

> b. power of detection ; nose <

a scent for heresy

> 3. a course of pursuit or discovery <

throw one off the scent

> 4. inkling, intimation <

a scent of trouble

> 5. perfume 2 6. bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds 7. a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing Synonyms: see fragrance, smell • scentless adjective II. verb Etymology: Middle English senten, from Anglo-French sentir to feel, smell, from Latin sentire to perceive, feel — more at sense Date: 15th century transitive verb 1. a. to perceive by the olfactory organs ; smell b. to get or have an inkling of <

scent trouble

> 2. to imbue or fill with odor <

scented the air with perfume

> intransitive verb 1. to yield an odor of some specified kind <

this scents of sulfur

>; also to bear indication or suggestions 2. to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey