Saunter

Pronunciation

• IPA: /sɔːntÉ™(ɹ)/
• some accents IPA: /sɑːntÉ™(ɹ)/
• Rhymes: -ɔːntÉ™(ɹ), -ɑːntÉ™(ɹ)

Origin

Etymology unclear. In sense “to stroll”, attested 1660s; noun sense “a stroll” attested 1828.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Perhaps from earlier term meaning “to muse”, late 15th century, from Middle English santren, of Unknown origin.

Alternatively, from Anglo-Norman sauntrer (mid 14th century), from French s'aventurer ("to take risks"), but this is considered unlikely;

OED

compare Middle English aunter ("adventure").

Proposed by Blackley (Word Gossip, 1869); see 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

May be of origin, with proposed cognates being German schlendern, Danish slentre, Swedish slentra, Icelandic slentr, all meaning “to stroll“.

Wedgwood; see 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

Various fanciful folk etymologies also given.

Saunter., Languagehat, July 24, 2004

In Walking, Henry David Thoreau derives it from Sainte Terre, “holy land”; this is dismissed as far-fetched.

Full definition of saunter

Verb

1. To stroll, or walk at a leisurely pace
• MassonOne could lie under elm trees in a lawn, or saunter in meadows by the side of a stream.

Synonyms

• amble
• stroll
• wander

Noun

1. A leisurely walk or stroll.
• 1814, Elizabeth Hervey, Amabel: Volume 1 (page 53)Caroline ... begged that the drive might be given up for a saunter about the gardens...
2. A leisurely pace.
3. (obsolete) A place for sauntering or strolling.
• YoungThat wheel of fops, that saunter of the town.

Anagrams

• aunters, natures, sea turn, seruant, tea-urns, unrates