epicure








noun

  1. a person who cultivates a refined taste, especially in food and wine; connoisseur.
  2. Archaic. a person dedicated to sensual enjoyment.

noun

  1. a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink; gourmet
  2. a person devoted to sensual pleasures
n.

late 14c., “follower of Epicurus,” from Latin Epicurus, from Greek Epicouros (341-270 B.C.E.), Athenian philosopher who taught that pleasure is the highest good and identified virtue as the greatest pleasure; the first lesson recalled, the second forgotten, and the name used pejoratively for “one who gives himself up to sensual pleasure” (1560s), especially “glutton, sybarite” (1774). Epicurus’ school opposed by stoics, who first gave his name a reproachful sense. Non-pejorative meaning “one who cultivates refined taste in food and drink” is from 1580s.

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