incense

Where does the word "incense" come from? It comes from Latin incendere, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Incense’s story begins in Latin: incendere meant “to set on fire.” The root of 'incendiary'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as encens. Used in church rituals. It reached English by 1200s as incense. The verb 'incensed', enraged, keeps the burning sense. Today, incense means a substance burned for its sweet smell.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient incendere "to set on fire", the root of 'incendiary'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval encens "burnt aromatic", used in church rituals.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s incense "fragrant smoke", the verb 'incensed', enraged, keeps the burning sense.