Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
TASTE
I. verb (tasted; tasting) see: tax
Date: 14th century
transitive verb to become acquainted with by experience , to ascertain the flavor of by taking a little into the mouth, to eat or drink especially in small quantities, to perceive or recognize as if by the sense of taste, appreciate , enjoy , intransitive verb to eat or drink a little, to test the flavor of something by taking a small part into the mouth, to have perception, experience, or enjoyment ; partake , to have a specific flavor ,
II. noun
Date: 14th century
test ,
2. the act of tasting, a small amount tasted, a small amount ; bit , the special sense that perceives and distinguishes the sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance and is mediated by taste buds on the tongue, the objective sweet, sour, bitter, or salty quality of a dissolved substance as perceived by the sense of taste,
5. a sensation obtained from a substance in the mouth that is typically produced by the stimulation of the sense of taste combined with those of touch and smell ; flavor , the distinctive quality of an experience , individual preference ; inclination ,
7. critical judgment, discernment, or appreciation, manner or aesthetic quality indicative of such discernment or appreciation