jouissance

[ zhwee-sahnns ]

noun

, French

1. pleasure; enjoyment:

   The chef’s original impulse for jouissance in food, as well as in life, came from his parents, who were always cooking and experimenting with different flavors.

2. the use or exercise of a right, especially property rights.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jouissance¹

First recorded in 1480–90; from Old French, equivalent to jouiss-, stem of jouir “to enjoy” + -ance ( def )

Example Sentences

Toute trouvaille,vii as our authors aptly remark, procure une jouissance.

From Project Gutenberg

La jouissance de ces droits pourra tre tendue aux autres cultes par les dispositions lgislatives.

From Project Gutenberg

She was his, as the French say, "en droit, mais pas encore en jouissance!"

From Project Gutenberg

On leur en promettrait la jouissance tranquille dans quelques-unes de nos colonies.

From Project Gutenberg