venery

1 of 2

noun (1)

ven·​ery ˈve-nə-rē 

1

: the art, act, or practice of hunting

2

: animals that are hunted : game

venery

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: the pursuit of or indulgence in sexual pleasure

2

: sexual intercourse

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English venerie, borrowed from Anglo-French, from Old French vener "to hunt with dogs" (going back to Latin vēnārī "to hunt") + -erie -ery — more at venison

Noun (2)

Middle English venerie, borrowed from Medieval Latin veneria, from Latin vener-, venus "sexual desire, sexual intercourse" + -ia -y entry 2 — more at venus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

venery

noun

ven·​ery ˈven-ə-rē 

plural veneries

1

: the pursuit of or indulgence in sexual pleasure

2

: sexual intercourse