Meaning

noun a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned

noun the pleasing scent produced when incense is burned

verb perfume especially with a censer

originFrom Middle English encens, from Old French encens (“sweet-smelling substance”) from Late Latin incensum (“burnt incense”, literally “something burnt”), neuter past participle of incendō (“to set on fire”). Compare incendiary. Doublet of incienso. Displaced native Old English rēcels.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0