incense

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the pleasing scent produced when incense is burned

   incense filled the room

2. 2
   noun

   The fragrant smoke released by burning incense (sense 1).

   When the folding-doors were on such solemn occasions thrown open, and the new Abbot appeared on the threshold in full-blown dignity, with ring and mitre, and dalmatique and crosier, his hoary standard-bearers and his juvenile dispensers of incense preceding him, and the venerable train of monks behind him, with all besides which could announce the supreme authority to which he was now raised, his appearance was a signal for the magnificent jubilate to rise from the organ and music-loft, and to be joined by the corresponding bursts of Alleluiah from the whole assembled congregation.

3. 3
   verb

   To set on fire; to inflame; to kindle; to burn.

   Twelve Trojan princes wait on thee, and labour to incense / Thy glorious heap of funeral.

4. 4
   verb

   To anger or infuriate.

   I think it would incense him to learn the truth.

5. 5
   verb

   To offer incense to.

   And after this Almachius hastily Bad his ministres fecchen openly Cecile, so that she mighte in his presence Doon sacrifyce, and Iupiter encense. And after this, Almachius hastily Ordered his ministers to fetch publicly Cecile, so that she might in his presence Do sacrifice and burn incense to Jupiter.

6. 6
   verb

   To perfume with, or as with, incense.

   To haue her bound, incenſed with wanton ſweetes, / Her vaines fild hie with heating delicates, / […] / O Ithaca can chaſteſt Penelope hold out.

7. 7
   noun

   a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned

8. 8
   verb

   make furious

Etymology

From Middle English encens, from Old French encens (“sweet-smelling substance”) from Late Latin incensum (“burnt incense”, literally “something burnt”), neuter past participle of incendō (“to set on fire”). Compare incendiary. Doublet of incienso.