venery

1 of 2

noun (1)

ven·​ery ˈve-nə-rē How to pronounce venery (audio)
1
: the art, act, or practice of hunting
2
: animals that are hunted : game

venery

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: the pursuit of or indulgence in sexual pleasure
2

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English venerie, borrowed from Anglo-French, from Old French vener "to hunt with dogs" (going back to Latin vēnārī "to hunt") + -erie -ery — more at venison

Noun (2)

Middle English venerie, borrowed from Medieval Latin veneria, from Latin vener-, venus "sexual desire, sexual intercourse" + -ia -y entry 2 — more at venus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of venery was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near venery

Cite this Entry

“Venery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venery. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

venery

noun
ven·​ery ˈven-ə-rē How to pronounce venery (audio)
plural veneries
1
: the pursuit of or indulgence in sexual pleasure
2

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