taste

taste [tāst]

vt.

tasted, tasting [ME tasten < OFr taster, to handle, touch, taste < VL * tastare, prob. < * taxitare, freq. of L taxare, to feel, touch sharply, judge of, freq. of tangere: see TACT]

1. Obs. to test by touching

2. to test the flavor of by putting a little in one's mouth

3. to detect or distinguish the flavor of by the sense of taste [to taste sage in a dressing]

4. to eat or drink, esp. a small amount of

5. to receive the sensation of, as for the first time; experience; have [to have tasted freedom at last]

6. Archaic to appreciate; like

vi.

1. to discern or recognize flavors by the sense of taste; have the sense of taste

2. to eat or drink a small amount (of)

3. to have the specific taste or flavor: sometimes with of [the milk tastes sour; the salad tastes of garlic]

4. to have a sensation, limited experience, or anticipating sense (of something)

n.

[ME < OFr tast < the v.]

1. Obs.

a) a test; trial

b) the act of tasting

2. that one of the five senses that is stimulated by contact of a substance with the taste buds and is capable of distinguishing basically among sweet, sour, salt, and bitter: the flavor of any specific substance is usually recognized by its combined taste, smell, and texture

3. the quality of a thing that is perceived through the sense of taste; flavor; savor

4. a small amount put into the mouth to test the flavor

5. the distinguishing flavor of a substance [a chocolate taste]

6. a slight experience of something; sample [to get a taste of another's anger]

7. a small amount; bit; trace; suggestion; touch

8.

a) the ability to notice, appreciate, and judge what is beautiful, appropriate, or harmonious, or what is excellent in art, music, decoration, clothing, etc.

b) a specific preference; partiality; predilection [a taste for red ties]

c) an attitude or a style reflecting such ability or preferences on the part of a group of people of a particular time and place

9. a liking; inclination; fondness; bent [to have no taste for business]

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in (good, poor, etc.) taste

in a form, style, or manner showing a (good, poor, etc.) sense of beauty, excellence, fitness, propriety, etc.

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in taste

in good taste

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to one's taste

1. pleasing to one

2. so as to please one