A strong, stale, or musty smell; the odor of stale air, mustiness, or decay in old books or closed spaces.
From Middle English 'fust', possibly from Old French 'fuste' or Latin 'fustis' (wooden staff, wood), with the sense shifting to the smell of old wood or old things. Related to 'fusty'.
The word 'fust' captures a very specific smell that everyone recognizes but few can name—that distinctive scent of old libraries and attics that's somehow both unpleasant and comforting.
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