Singe
/sɪndʒ/noun
To burn something lightly or superficially, or to become scorched on the surface.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to a Germanic root meaning “to singe/burn,” and its close relatives spread through everyday English fire-language, not occult ritual—but the image of controlled flame is ancient and primal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*sengwaną
“to singe, burn lightly”
Old English
OE
sengan
“to burn, scorch, singe”
Middle English
ME
sengen
“to burn slightly, scorch”
16th Century
English
singe
“to burn superficially or lightly”
Modern English
English
singe
“to burn the surface of something lightly”