pomander

[ poh-man-der, poh-man-der ]

noun

1. a mixture of aromatic substances, often in the form of a ball, formerly carried on the person as a supposed guard against infection but now placed in closets, dressers, etc.
2. the ball, box, or other case in which it was formerly carried.

pomander

/ pəʊˈmændə /

noun

1. a mixture of aromatic substances in a sachet or an orange, formerly carried as scent or as a protection against disease
2. a container for such a mixture

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomander¹

1425–75; earlier pomaundre, pomemandre, late Middle English pomendambre < Middle French pome d'ambre (compare obsolete English pom ( e ) amber ) < Medieval Latin pōmum ambrē ( Latin ambrae ) literally, apple of amber. See pome, amber

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomander¹

C15: from Old French pome d'ambre, from Medieval Latin pōmum ambrae apple of amber

Example Sentences

The event also features parlor games, coffee roasting with beans from Tacoma’s own Valhalla Coffee, Victorian tin ornament and pomander making, living history demonstrations, sampling of foods prepared in the period kitchen, caroling and a chance to visit and take photos with Father Christmas.

From Seattle Times

Alice’s father’s house, the house she grew up in, is on quaint Pomander Walk — “a real street inspired by a novel-turned-play about a small town in England . . . with two rows of tiny houses that looked straight out of ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ locked behind a gate.”

From Washington Post

This annual light display includes a gnome village, Santa and his workshop, a light tunnel, crystal disco, Wishing Tree, model trains and the opportunity to make an orange-and-clove pomander to take home.

From Los Angeles Times

This annual light display includes a gnome village, Santa and his workshop, a light tunnel, crystal disco, Wishing Tree, model trains and the opportunity to make an orange and clove pomander to take home.

From Los Angeles Times

Pomander wheels also fancy up a glass of spiked hot cider, mulled wine or other seasonal hot spiced drinks.

From Salon