The sense and etymology of the word are unclear. As a gloss on sudus, the term seems to refer to something that is bright or clear or dry. The word has greater currency in Continental French, where it is attested in the sense of 'flavourful', particularly in reference to food. The French term derives from Latin sapidus, while a similar term is attested in English, deriving from Old English sæd. In English, this word is attested in reference to colour, particularly in reference to the deep, dark colour of wine from c1600. The word may also be a misreading for fade