in|cense

in|cense¹ «IHN sehns», noun, verb, -censed, -cens|ing.

–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]

in|cense² «ihn SEHNS», transitive verb, -censed, -cens|ing.

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.