be in ill odor

Variant of odor

odor definition

odor (ō′dər)

noun

    1. that characteristic of a substance which makes it perceptible to the sense of smell
    2. a smell, whether pleasant or unpleasant; fragrance, stench, etc.
  2. a pervasive atmosphere or quality an odor of intolerance
  3. Archaic a perfume or other sweet-smelling substance

Etymology: OFr < L < IE base *od-, to smell, odor > Gr odmē, (var. of osmē), scent, Swed os, smell, suffocating gas

Related Forms:

odor Idioms

be in bad odor

or be in ill odor
to be in ill repute

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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