Taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1650s, from Latin degustationem (nominative degustatio ) "a tasting," noun of action from past participle stem of degustare "to take a taste from, sample," from de- (see de- ) + gustare "to taste" (see gusto ).

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality; "cooking was fine but it was the savoring that he enjoyed most" [syn: tasting , savoring , savouring , relishing ]

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Dégustation is a culinary term meaning a careful, appreciative tasting of various foods and focusing on the gustatory system , the senses , high culinary art and good company. Dégustation is more likely to involve sampling small portions of all of a chef's ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Degustation \Deg`us*ta"tion\, n. [L. degustatio: cf. F. d['e]gustation.] (Physiol.) Tasting; the appreciation of sapid qualities by the taste organs. --Bp. Hall.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. tasting, especially as a form of careful appreciation