frankincense

[prettygoodword]

frankincense (FRANG-kin-sens) - n., a fragrant gum resin from various Asian and African trees of the genus Boswellia used as an incense, perfume, and embalming.


The embalming use was done by, among other, ancient Egyptians -- this was leftover from mummy week. There are four main species that produce true frankencense.


Thanks, WikiMedia!

Used in Middle English from the 15th century in the form fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc, noble/pure/high-quality + encens, incense.

---L.