epicure
[ep-i-kyoor]
- a person who cultivates a refined taste, especially in food and wine; connoisseur.
- Archaic. a person dedicated to sensual enjoyment.
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Origin of epicure
1350–1400 for earlier sense; 1555–65 for def 2; Middle English Epicures, Epicureis Epicureans (plural) < Latin Epicūrēus (singular) (see epicurean)
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
1. ascetic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for epicure
Historical Examples
It was introduced into England as an epicure's dish in the seventeenth century.
De Libris: Prose and VerseAustin Dobson
Kingozi's methods of eating had in them little of the epicure.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
Across the top of its door were painted in gold letters, the words: "The Epicure."
The Einstein See-SawMiles John Breuer
I was always an epicure in the matter of love, and knew the best when I found it.
The Golden FountainLilian Staveley
These are quite an epicure's dish, and care must be taken to cook them slowly.
Nelson's Home ComfortsMary Hooper
epicure
- a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink; gourmet
- a person devoted to sensual pleasures
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Word Origin
C16: from Medieval Latin epicūrus, after Epicurus; see Epicurean
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for epicure
n.
late 14c., "follower of Epicurus," from Latin Epicurus, from Greek Epicouros (341-270 B.C.E.), Athenian philosopher who taught that pleasure is the highest good and identified virtue as the greatest pleasure; the first lesson recalled, the second forgotten, and the name used pejoratively for "one who gives himself up to sensual pleasure" (1560s), especially "glutton, sybarite" (1774). Epicurus' school opposed by stoics, who first gave his name a reproachful sense. Non-pejorative meaning "one who cultivates refined taste in food and drink" is from 1580s.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper