moccasin flower

noun

1. the lady's-slipper.
2. a cypripedium, Cypripedium acaule, of the U.S.

moccasin flower

noun

1. any of several North American orchids of the genus Cypripedium with a pink solitary flower See also lady's-slipper cypripedium

Word History and Origins

Origin of moccasin flower¹

An Americanism dating back to 1670–80

Example Sentences

The yellow moccasin flower is the whippoorwill's shoe.

From Project Gutenberg

The English call it lady's-slipper; the Indians know it as the moccasin flower.

From Project Gutenberg

So she cried out aloud in her gratitude: ‘Oh, the moccasin flower! the moccasin flower!’ and ever since then this shoe-like blossom has been beloved of all the children in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

From its name—Minnesota—to its floral emblem—the moccasin flower—the State everywhere bears the impress of former occupation.

From Project Gutenberg

On the reverse side are the words, "Presented by the State of Minnesota to——," encircled by a wreath of moccasin flowers, which is the flower of the state.

From Project Gutenberg