Dictionary entry

Scent (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Scent, n. 1. That which, issuing from a body, affects the olfactory organs of animals; odor; smell; as, the scent of an orange, or of a rose; the scent of musk.

With lavish hand diffuses scents ambrosial. Prior.

2. Specifically, the odor left by an animal on the ground in passing over it; as, dogs find or lose the scent; hence, course of pursuit; track of discovery.

He gained the observations of innumerable ages, and traveled upon the same scent into Ethiopia. Sir W. Temple.

3. The power of smelling; the sense of smell; as, a hound of nice scent; to divert the scent. I. Watts.