Word of the Day: Sage

sage

sage / sāj

 

adjective

1. wise or prudent

A sage thing is timely silence, and better than any speech.

Plutarch, 49 – 119

 

2. (archaic) serious; solemn

In sage and silent companionship of two, they went flying, noiseless, along the quiet lanes in search of a meal.

From “Man and Wife” by Wilkie Collins, 1824 – 1889

 

3. having a gray-green color

Miss Waterford, torn between the aestheticism of her early youth, when she used to go to parties in sage green, holding a daffodil, and the flippancy of her maturer years, which tended to high heels and Paris frocks, wore a new hat.

From “Moon and Sixpence” by W. Somerset Maugham, 1874 – 1965

 

noun

1. a plant of the mint family belonging to the genus Salvia, with grayish-green leaves used as a seasoning in cooking

You need just three things to grow garden sage – fresh air, good soil drainage and plenty of sunshine.

www.thegardeningcook.com/sage-plant-care, accessed August 30, 2022

 

2. the leaves of S. officinalis, used as an herb in cooking or for medicinal purposes

Sage has a pronounced herbal flavor that is earthy, slightly peppery taste with hints of mint, eucalyptus, and lemon.

 “How to Cook With Sage: 11 Culinary Uses for Sage”, ‘MasterClass’, www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-sage-11-culinary-uses-for-sage, August 13, 2021

 

3. sagebrush

The warm sun awoke the wild fragrance of sage and mountain soil.

From “Overland Red” by Henry Herbert Knibbs, 1874 – 1945

 

4. a gray-green color; the color of sage leaves

Any dun colored house would look better if painted pineapple, cream, ochre, or even a smart sage.

Frances Mayes, 1940 –

 

5. a wise person; a person known for sound judgement

The sage speaks of what he sees; the fool, of what he hears.

Turkish proverb