n. 2. A perfume: an expensive French scent. 3. An odor left by the passing of an animal. 4. The trail of a hunted animal or fugitive: The hounds are on the scent. 5. The sense of smell: a bear's keen scent. 6. A hint of something imminent; a suggestion: caught the scent of a reconciliation. v. scent·ed, scent·ing, scents v.tr. 1. To perceive or identify by the sense of smell: dogs scenting their prey. 2. To suspect or detect: scented danger. 3. To fill with a pleasant odor; perfume: when blossoms scent the air. v.intr. To hunt prey by means of the sense of smell. Used of hounds. [Middle English sent, from senten, to scent, from Old French sentir, from Latin sentīre, to feel; see sent- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] scentless adj. |
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