Baste

To moisten food while cooking by spooning, brushing, or squirting liquid over it, typically pan juices, melted butter, or marinades. This technique prevents drying and adds flavor during roasting or grilling.

From Old French 'baster' meaning 'to moisten' or 'to soak'. The technique has ancient origins in spit-roasting, where cooks would continuously moisten large cuts of meat to prevent them from drying out during long cooking processes.