besamim

English

Etymology

From Hebrew בְּשָׂמִים (b'samím), plural of בושם / בֹּשֶׂם (bósem).

Noun

besamim (uncountable)

1. 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.