quaking grass

noun

1. any of several grasses of the genus Briza, having spikelets with slender, drooping stalks.

quaking grass

noun

1. any grass of the genus Briza, of N temperate regions and South America, having delicate flower branches that shake in the wind

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaking grass¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

These ridges were generally well covered with that family of running trefoil, known by the name of Melilotos, intermixed with a species of Poa or meadow grass, Avena or wild oats, and Briza or quaking grass.

From Project Gutenberg

A gentle breeze rustled the fern, and breathed upon the quaking grass, setting its beautiful spikelets in motion until they seemed like fairy bells rung by elfin fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

Shaking being one of the notable effects of that troublesome complaint, the ague, as a safeguard the quaking grass was dried and kept in the house; the aspen, too, by its constant trembling, was thought to be another remedy of value.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is the common quaking grass, with its slender, smooth, spreading branches.

From Project Gutenberg

The plantations and hedgerows are fine places for primroses and foxgloves, while in the pastures, and especially the poor pastures, are found the ox-eyed daisy and quaking grass, that make such fine nosegays, as well as that sure sign of poverty, the yellow rattle.

From Project Gutenberg