palate

n. [ L. palatum: cf. F. palais, Of. also palat. ] 1. (Anat.) The roof of the mouth. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The fixed portion, or palate proper, supported by the maxillary and palatine bones, is called the hard palate to distinguish it from the membranous and muscular curtain which separates the cavity of the mouth from the pharynx and is called the soft palate, or velum. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Relish; taste; liking; -- a sense originating in the mistaken notion that the palate is the organ of taste. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hard task! to hit the palate of such guests. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Fig.: Mental relish; intellectual taste. T. Baker. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Bot.) A projection in the throat of such flowers as the snapdragon. [ 1913 Webster ]