User Contributed Dictionary
Noun
- A mixture of aromatic substances, made into a ball and carried as a protection against infection
- An orange, studded with cloves, hung in a wardrobe to provide a sweet smell
- A case in which an aromatic ball was carried
- A perforated container filled with pot-pourri for placing in a wardrobe etc
Extensive Definition
A pomander, from French
pomme d'ambre, i.e. apple of amber, is a ball made of perfumes,
such as ambergris
(whence the name), musk, or
civet. The pomander was
worn or carried in a vase, also known by the same name, as a
protection against infection in times of
pestilence or merely as a useful article to modify bad smells. The
globular cases which contained the pomanders were hung from a
neck-chain or attached to the girdle, and were usually perforated
and made of gold or silver. Sometimes they contained several
partitions, in each of which was placed a different perfume.
Pomanders were used in the late Middle Ages
through the 17th
century.
Modern pomanders are made by studding an orange
or other fruit with whole dried cloves and letting it cure dry,
after which it may last indefinitely. The modern pomander serves
the functions of perfuming and freshening the air and of keeping
drawers of clothing and linens fresh, pleasant smelling, and
moth-free.
Pomanders were usually carried or hung on a belt.
References
External links
- Medieval & Renaissance Pomanders 14th-17th century pomanders in museums
pomander in German: Bisamapfel
pomander in French: Pomander