besamim
English
Etymology
From Hebrew בְּשָׂמִים (b'samím), plural of בושם \\ בֹּשֶׂם (bósem).
Noun
besamim (uncountable)
- A spice mixture used for its scent on Havdalah.
- 1996, Macy Nulman, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer, page 170:
- Ashkenazim use a combination of cloves and bay leaves for besamim, as well as other pickling spices.