joss stick

noun

1. a slender stick of a dried, fragrant paste, burned by the Chinese as incense before a joss.

joss stick

noun

1. a stick of dried perfumed paste, giving off a fragrant odour when burnt as incense

Word History and Origins

Origin of joss stick¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

It was distinctly nervous work however, and Olivia started back, as her husband set the joss stick fizzling.

From Project Gutenberg

For quite ten minutes Ainsleigh continued waving, until the joss stick burnt down nearly to the root.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he looked again, Olivia placed the still fizzling joss stick in the fender, and peered over his shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

It must have been Hwei who came to the Abbey on the night my aunt was killed and dropped the joss stick.

From Project Gutenberg

Evidently he is not acquainted with the peculiar smell of a joss stick.

From Project Gutenberg