n. [ OE. encens, F. encens, L. incensum, fr. incensus, p. p. of incendere to burn. See Incense to inflame. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. The perfume or odors exhaled from spices and gums when burned in celebrating religious rites or as an offering to some deity. [ 1913 Webster ] A thick cloud of incense went up. Ezek. viii. 11. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The materials used for the purpose of producing a perfume when burned, as fragrant gums, spices, frankincense, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon. Lev. x. 1. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Also used figuratively. [ 1913 Webster ] Or heap the shrine of luxury and pride,
With incense kindled at the Muse's flame. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]
Incense tree, the name of several balsamic trees of the genus Bursera (or Icica) mostly tropical American. The gum resin is used for incense. In Jamaica the Chrysobalanus Icaco, a tree related to the plums, is called incense tree. --
Incense wood, the fragrant wood of the tropical American tree Bursera heptaphylla. [ 1913 Webster ]
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