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herb Paris

noun

, plural herbs Paris.
  1. a European plant, Paris quadrifolia, of the lily family, formerly used in medicine.


herb Paris

noun

  1. a Eurasian woodland plant, Paris quadrifolia, with a whorl of four leaves and a solitary yellow flower: formerly used medicinally: family Trilliaceae
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of herb Paris1

First recorded in 1560–70; by folk etymology with Paris, France; possibly from Medieval Latin herba paris “herb of a pair, of a couple” (referring to the regularity of the leaves and flowers); of uncertain origin
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Word History and Origins

Origin of herb Paris1

C16: from Medieval Latin herba paris, literally: herb of a pair: so called because the four leaves on the stalk look like a true lovers' knot; associated in folk etymology with Paris, France
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Example Sentences

True′-heart′edness; True′-love, one truly or really beloved: a sweetheart: the herb-Paris (see Herb).

Herb Paris is simply the plant with a pair of leaves; it should, however, have been described as having four leaves.

I was not surprised to find that "the Herb Paris" is poisonous, and was anciently used in medicine.

Some had four loops, which gave rise to the name true-love as applied to herb-paris.

"It was about the size of Herb Paris, my son," replied the hermit.

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