Since then, the meaning of gourmand has softened so that although it still isn't wholly flattering, it now suggests someone who likes good food in large quantities rather than a slobbering glutton. epicure, gourmet, gourmand, gastronome mean one who takes pleasure in eating and drinking.

A gourmand is a person who takes great pleasure and interest in consuming particularly good food and drink. [1] Gourmand originally referred to a person who was "a glutton for food and drink", [2] a person who eats and drinks excessively. [3]

From Middle English gourmaunt, gormond, gromonde, from Old French gormant (“a glutton”, noun), from gormant (“gluttonous”, adjective), of uncertain origin. gourmand (plural gourmands) A person given to excess in the consumption of food and drink; a greedy or ravenous eater.