Pomander

Quick meaning: Pomander is a noun meaning (countable, historical) A small case in which an aromatic ball was carried.

Meaning

(countable, historical) A small case in which an aromatic ball was carried.

More Meanings

1. (countable) A perforated container filled with pot-pourri for placing in a drawer, wardrobe, room, etc., to provide a sweet smell.
2. (countable) An apple or orange studded with cloves used for the same purpose.
3. (countable, uncountable, historical) A mixture of aromatic substances, made into a ball and carried by a person to impart a sweet smell or as a protection against infection.

Example Sentences

Two very early pomanders were undoubtedly produced for different classes English society: the black, waxy ball moulded around a gold shaft, for the wealthy; the carved nut shell, for a lower class.

Colonel Johnson was talking to her earnestly, leaning over the card-table. On seeing Miss Harrison's gesture he rose suddenly, and attached to the ribbon of his watch was my godmother's silver pomander.

I have ſold all my Tromperie: not a counterfeit Stone, not a Ribbon, Glaſſe, Pomander, Browch, Table-booke, Ballad, Knife, Tape, Gloue, Shooe-tye, Bracelet, Horne-Ring, to keepe my Pack from faſting: […]

An orange with the pulp removed and replaced by spices and perfumes seems to have been sometimes used as a pomander, and Cardinal [Thomas] Wolsey is spoken of as holding one to his nose while passing among a crowd of suitors.

Word Forms

• pomanders

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include case, pastille, pompoon, pompillion, pome, sachet.

Related Dictionary Tools