epicure

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a person with refined and discriminating tastes, especially in food and wine

   The chef designed the tasting menu for an epicure who valued subtle flavors.

2. 2
   noun

   a person devoted to sensual pleasure; now archaic

   The moralist portrayed the idle courtier as an epicure concerned only with pleasure.

From Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher. His critics misrepresented his ideal of tranquil, moderate pleasure as sensual indulgence; English epicure first meant a pleasure-seeker and later narrowed to someone with a cultivated palate.

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