Entry 4 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913 Cense · IPA /sɛns/ n. v. t. v. i. 01 n. A census; -- also, a public rate or tax. 1. A census; -- also, a public rate or tax.[Obs.] 2. Condition; rank.[Obs.] 02 v. t. To perfume with odors from burning gums and spices. imp. & p. p. Censed; p. pr. & vb. n. Censing 1. To perfume with odors from burning gums and spices. “The Salii sing and cense his altars round.” — Dryden. 03 v. i. To burn or scatter incense. 1. To burn or scatter incense.