Obs. Also 4 cens, 4–5 sense, 4–6 sence. [Shortened form of ME. encens, INCENSE.] Incense.

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a. 1375.  Joseph Arim., 290. With sencers … and a viole of sence.

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1382.  Wyclif, Song of Sol. iv. 6. The hil of cens [1388 encense].

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14[?].  Masse (Tundale’s Vis. 150), iij. kyngis … There offorde golde, sense, and myrrre.

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c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 66. Cense or incense or rychelle.

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1513.  Douglas, Æneis, IV. viii. 95. On the altaris birnand full of sence The sacrifice scho offerit.

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1540.  Inv. Worcester Priory, in Greene, Hist. Worcester, II. App. 5. A navett to putt cense yn.

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