pomander

[ poh-man-der, poh-man-der ]

noun

1. a mixture of aromatic substances, often in the form of a ball, formerly carried on the person as a supposed guard against infection but now placed in closets, dressers, etc.
2. the ball, box, or other case in which it was formerly carried.

pomander

/ pəʊˈmændə /

noun

1. a mixture of aromatic substances in a sachet or an orange, formerly carried as scent or as a protection against disease
2. a container for such a mixture

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomander¹

1425–75; earlier pomaundre, pomemandre, late Middle English pomendambre < Middle French pome d'ambre (compare obsolete English pom ( e ) amber ) < Medieval Latin pōmum ambrē ( Latin ambrae ) literally, apple of amber. See pome, amber

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomander¹

C15: from Old French pome d'ambre, from Medieval Latin pōmum ambrae apple of amber

Example Sentences

She saw Pomander no longer; she was alone with her great anguish.

From Project Gutenberg

"And the breadth of their hands, too," said Pomander, waking from a nap.

From Project Gutenberg

This Sir Charles Pomander was a gentleman of vice; pleasure he called it.

From Project Gutenberg

"I accept your courteous dismissal, madam," said Pomander, grinding his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

Pomander recovered himself a little; he laughed with quiet insolence.

From Project Gutenberg