- in|cense´ment
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–n.1. a substance giving off a sweet smell when burned, such as an aromatic gum or other vegetable product, or a mixture of fragrant gums and spices.2. the perfume or smoke from it, especially when burned in religious ceremonies.3. something sweet like incense: »
the incense of flowers, Figurative. the incense of flattery, Figurative. the incense of praise.
4. Figurative. homage or praise–v.t.1. to burn or offer incense before, especially in connection with a religious ceremony; perfume with incense.2. to perfume with any pleasant fragrance; scent.–v.i.to burn or offer incense.╂[< Old French encens, learned borrowing from Late Latin incēnsus, -ūs burnt incense < Latin incendere to set afire < in- (intensive) + candēre glow white]1. to make very angry; fill with rage: »Cruelty incenses kind people.
SYNONYM(S): enrage, madden, provoke, exasperate.2. Obsolete. to inflame, excite, or kindle (passion or ardent feeling): »Will God incense his ire For such a petty trespass? (Milton).
╂[< Latin incēnsus, past participle of incendere to set afire; enrage; see etym. under incense1 (Cf. ↑incense)]–in|cense´ment, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.