costmary

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English

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Tanacetum balsamita

Etymology

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From Latin costum, from Ancient Greek κόστος (kóstos, an Oriental aromatic plant), and Maria (the Virgin Mary).

Noun

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costmary (usually uncountable, plural costmaries)

  1. An aromatic plant (Tanacetum balsamita), once used to flavour ale (prior to use of hops); also used as a bookmark in Bibles and other holy texts to dissuade silverfish and other pests.
    Synonym: alecost
    • 1591, “Virgils Gnat”, in Edmund Spenser, transl., Complaints, translation of Culex by Virgil:
      The Marigolde, and cherefull Rosemarie; / The Spartan Mirtle, whence sweet gumb does flowe; / The purple Hyacinths, and fresh Costmarie, / And Saffron, sought for in Cilician soyle

Translations

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Anagrams

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