transitive verb tasted tast′ed, tasting tast′·ing

1. Obsolete to test by touching
2. to test the flavor of by putting a little in one's mouth
3. to detect or distinguish the flavor of by the sense of taste to taste sage in a dressing
4. to eat or drink, esp. a small amount of
5. to receive the sensation of, as for the first time; experience; have to have tasted freedom at last
6. Archaic to appreciate; like

Etymology: ME tasten < OFr taster, to handle, touch, taste < VL *tastare, prob. < *taxitare, freq. of L taxare, to feel, touch sharply, judge of, freq. of tangere: see tact

intransitive verb

1. to discern or recognize flavors by the sense of taste; have the sense of taste
2. to eat or drink a small amount (of)
3. to have the specific taste or flavor: sometimes with of the milk tastes sour; the salad tastes of garlic
4. to have a sensation, limited experience, or anticipating sense (of something)

noun

1. Obsolete
   1. a test; trial
   2. the act of tasting
2. that one of the five senses that is stimulated by contact of a substance with the taste buds and is capable of distinguishing basically among sweet, sour, salt, and bitter: the flavor of any specific substance is usually recognized by its combined taste, smell, and texture
3. the quality of a thing that is perceived through the sense of taste; flavor; savor
4. a small amount put into the mouth to test the flavor
5. the distinguishing flavor of a substance a chocolate taste
6. a slight experience of something; sample to get a taste of another's anger
7. a small amount; bit; trace; suggestion; touch
8. 1. the ability to notice, appreciate, and judge what is beautiful, appropriate, or harmonious, or what is excellent in art, music, decoration, clothing, etc.
   2. a specific preference; partiality; predilection a taste for red ties
   3. an attitude or a style reflecting such ability or preferences on the part of a group of people of a particular time and place
9. a liking; inclination; fondness; bent to have no taste for business

Etymology: ME < OFr tast < the v.