sage Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
noun aromatic fresh or dried grey-green leaves used widely as seasoning for meats and fowl and game etc
noun any of various plants of the genus Salvia; a cosmopolitan herb
salvia.
adjective satellite having wisdom that comes with age and experience
adjective satellite of the grey-green color of sage leaves
sage-green.

OE. sauge, F. sauge, L. salvia, from salvus saved, in allusion to its reputed healing virtues. See Safe.

(Bot.) (a) A suffriticose labiate plant (Salvia officinalis) with grayish green foliage, much used in flavoring meats, etc. The name is often extended to the whole genus, of which many species are cultivated for ornament, as the scarlet sage, and Mexican red and blue sage. (b) The sagebrush.

F., fr. L. sapius (only in nesapius unwise, foolish), fr. sapere to be wise; perhaps akin to E. sap. Cf. Savor, Sapient, Insipid.

comparative Sager ; superlative Sagest

Having nice discernment and powers of judging; prudent; grave; sagacious.
All you sage counselors, hence! Shak.
Proceeding from wisdom; well judged; shrewd; well adapted to the purpose.
Commanders, who, cloaking their fear under show of sage advice, counseled the general to retreat. Milton.
Grave; serious; solemn. R. "[Great bards.] in sage and solemn tunes have sung." Milton. the "great bards" was moved inside the quote for consistency. Syn. -- Wise; sagacious; sapient; grave; prudent; judicious.

A wise man; a man of gravity and wisdom; especially, a man venerable for years, and of sound judgment and prudence; a grave philosopher.
At his birth a star, Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, And guides the Eastern sages. Milton.