- pleasure (n.)
- late 14c., "condition of enjoyment," from O.Fr. plesir "enjoyment, delight" (12c.), from plaisir (v.) "to please," from L. placere (see please (v.)). Ending altered in English 14c. by influence of words in -ure (measure, etc.). Meaning "sensual enjoyment as the chief object of life" is attested from 1520s. The verb meaning "to give pleasure to" is recorded from 1550s; sexual sense by 1610s. Related: Pleasured; pleasuring.