What did the ancient term epicure mean before it became linked with fine food?

The term "epicure" did not originally refer to fine food or sensory indulgence. It is derived from the name of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, who taught a philosophy centered on simple pleasures, friendship, and a secluded life.1

For Epicurus, the pursuit of pleasure was defined as achieving tranquility and freedom from pain, rather than the gratification of the senses. However, detractors of his philosophy—both in his own time and later—misinterpreted or deliberately reduced his teachings to mere material and sensual indulgence. By the time the word entered the English language in the 16th century, this trivialized view had taken hold, and "epicure" became synonymous with "hedonist," a term for one devoted to pleasure and comfort. The modern association with the refinement of the palate and high living developed only later.123