- scent (v.)
- c.1400, from Old French sentir "to feel, perceive, smell," from Latin sentire " to feel, perceive, sense" (see sense (n.)). Originally a hunting term. The -c- appeared 17c., perhaps by influence of ascent, descent, etc., or by influence of science. Related: Scented; scenting.
- scent (n.)
- late 14c., "scent, smell," from scent (v.). Almost always applied to agreeable odors.