pomander
noun
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In earlier times, there was more at stake in the use of an "apple of amber" (the literal meaning of Anglo-French pomme de ambre, modified to "pomander" in Middle English) than the addition of holiday spirit. Pomanders were used to offset foul odors and were also believed to protect against disease. Early pomanders were usually mixtures of fragrant spices, herbs, etc. in small metal containers, and they were often worn on chains, as jewelry, around the neck or at the waist. Today, we no longer believe pomanders ward off infections, but we still like nice-smelling things, and the word pomander survives to name the modern version of this aromatic, decorative object.
Examples of pomander in a Sentence
Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2023
To add some spice, turn you citrus fruits into pomanders, which are beautiful and smell like the holidays.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2023
This annual light display includes a gnome village, Santa and his workshop, a light tunnel, crystal disco, Wishing Tree, model trains and the opportunity to make an orange and clove pomander to take home.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2021
Wealthy women carried a pomander on a chain, then an expensive fashion accessory.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2021
Stud a fresh orange with cloves for pomander balls that fill the house with a spicy-sweet scent, then upcycle leftover glass jars into a colorful Kwanzaa kinara.
—Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 19 Nov. 2020
Think of drinking red wine that has marinated a pomander orange.
—Dave McIntyre, chicagotribune.com, 26 Dec. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near pomander
Cite this Entry
“Pomander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomander. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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pomander
noun
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