houseleek

[ hous-leek ]

noun

1. Also called old-man-and-old-woman. a succulent plant, Sempervivum tectorum, of the stonecrop family, native to Europe, having reddish flowers and leaves forming dense basal rosettes.
2. any other plant of the genus Sempervivum.

houseleek

/ ˈhaʊsˌliːk /

noun

1. any Old World crassulaceous plant of the genus Sempervivum, esp S. tectorum, which has a rosette of succulent leaves and pinkish flowers: grows on walls Also calledhen-and-chickens

Word History and Origins

Origin of houseleek¹

First recorded in 1325–75, houseleek is from the Middle English word howsleke. See house, leek

Example Sentences

That cottage was standing there at the period of which I now write; and at the bottom of that hill, amongst the wood, and close by the little stream nearly where the foot-bridge now carries the traveller over dryshod, was another hut, half concealed by the trees, and covered over with well nigh as much moss and houseleek as actual thatch.

From Project Gutenberg

Those which are the most cried up, are the Juice of Purslain, of Lettuce, of Houseleek, and of Vervain.

From Project Gutenberg

Parsley, Chervil, and Houseleek Leaves, lightly pounded, have also been successfully employed; and these Applications are preferable to Vinegar, when a Wound is joined to the Bruise.

From Project Gutenberg

HOUSELEEK, Sempervivum, a genus of ornamental evergreen plants belonging to the natural order Crassulaceae.

From Project Gutenberg

The houseleek has been known variously as the houselick, homewort or great houseleek.

From Project Gutenberg