saunter
UK /ˈsɔːntə/ · US /ˈsɔntɚ/ verb, noun
Forms saunters sauntering sauntered
- verb (intransitive) To stroll, or walk at a leisurely pace.
- noun A leisurely walk or stroll.
- noun A leisurely, easy pace. “walking at a saunter”
- noun (obsolete) A place for sauntering or strolling.
Synonyms
Etymology
Etymology unclear. Attested in the sense “to stroll” from the 1660s; noun sense “a stroll” attested 1828. Likely from earlier term meaning “to muse”, late 15th century, from late Middle English santren, of unknown origin. Competing theories exist:
* From Anglo-Norman sauntrer (mid 14th century), from Middle French s'aventurer (“to take risks”); however, this is considered unlikely by the OED. Compare Middle English aunter (“adventure”).
* Of Germanic origin, with proposed cognates including German schlendern, Dutch slenteren, Danish slentre, Swedish släntra, and Icelandic slentur, all meaning “to stroll”.
* From Old French sentier (“path”). In this case, santren would reflect earlier *sa(u)nteren, *senteren /sa(u̯)nˈteːrən/, /sɛnˈteːrən/, with Late Middle English stress shift and concomitant vowel reduction.
Various fanciful folk etymologies have also been given.
Webster’s 1913
- verb To wander or walk about idly and in a leisurely or lazy manner; to lounge; to stroll; to loiter.
- noun A sauntering, or a sauntering place.
Etymology [Written also santer.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “saunter”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details