saunter

Meanings

Verb

• To stroll, or walk at a leisurely pace.

Noun

• A leisurely walk or stroll.
• A leisurely pace.
• A place for sauntering or strolling.

Origin

• Etymology unclear. Attested in the sense “to stroll” from the 1660s; noun sense “a stroll” attested 1828. Likely from earlier term meaning “to muse”, late 15th century, from Middle English santren, of unknown origin. Competing theories exist:
• From sauntrer (mid 14th century), from ; however this is considered unlikely by the OED. Compare Middle English aunter ("adventure").
• Of Germanic origin, with proposed cognates including German schlendern, Danish slentre, Swedish släntra, and Icelandic slentur, all meaning “to stroll”.
• Various fanciful folk etymology have also been given.