saunter
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Etymology unclear. In sense “to stroll”, attested 1660s; noun sense “a stroll” attested 1828.[1] Perhaps from earlier term meaning “to muse”, late 15th century, from Middle English santren, of Unknown origin.[1] Alternatively, from Anglo-Norman sauntrer (mid 14th century), from French s'aventurer (“to take risks”), but this is considered unlikely;[2] compare Middle English aunter (“adventure”).[3] May be of Germanic origin, with proposed cognates being German schlendern, Danish slentre, Swedish slentra, Icelandic slentr, all meaning “to stroll“.[4] Various fanciful folk etymologies also given.[5][6]
[edit] Pronunciation
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- Rhymes: -ɔːntə(r)
[edit] Verb
saunter (third-person singular simple present saunters, present participle sauntering, simple past and past participle sauntered)
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
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[edit] Noun
saunter (plural saunters)
- A leisurely walk or stroll
- A leisurely pace
[edit] Translations
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[edit] References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 “saunter” in the Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, 2001
- ^ OED
- ^ Proposed by Blackley (Word Gossip, 1869); see 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
- ^ Wedgwood; see 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
- ^ Saunter., Languagehat, July 24, 2004
- ^ In Walking, Henry David Thoreau derives it from Sainte Terre, “holy land”; this is dismissed as far-fetched.
