saunter

Etymology unclear. Attested in the sense “to stroll” from the 1660s; noun sense “a stroll” attested 1828.[1] Likely from earlier term meaning “to muse”, late 15th century, from Middle English santren, of unknown origin.[1] Competing theories exist:

• From Anglo-Norman sauntrer (mid 14th century), from Middle French s'aventurer (“to take risks”); however this is considered unlikely by the OED.[2] Compare Middle English aunter (“adventure”).[3]
• Of Germanic origin, with proposed cognates including German schlendern, Danish slentre, Swedish släntra, and Icelandic slentr, all meaning “to stroll”.[4]

Various fanciful folk etymologies have also been given.[5][6]

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈsɔntɚ/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈsɔːntə/
• (cot–caught merger, Canada) IPA^(key): /ˈsɑntɚ/
• Rhymes: -ɔːntə(ɹ)

saunter (third-person singular simple present saunters, present participle sauntering, simple past and past participle sauntered)

1. To stroll, or walk at a leisurely pace
   • Masson

     One could lie under elm trees in a lawn, or saunter in meadows by the side of a stream.

• amble
• stroll
• wander

saunter (plural saunters)

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.
   • Young

     That wheel of fops, that saunter of the town.

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