scurvy grass

noun

1. a plant, Cochlearia officinalis, of the mustard family, purported to be a remedy for scurvy.

scurvy grass

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Cochlearia, esp C. officinalis, of Europe and North America, formerly used to treat scurvy: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurvy grass¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

From the clarified juice of fresh scurvy-grass, by exposure to warm air.

From Project Gutenberg

The scurvy-grass and wild celery, moreover, enable “the doctor” to turn out more than one variety of soup.

From Project Gutenberg

We ate it frequently raw, and found it almost like the New Zealand scurvy grass.

From Project Gutenberg

They found here, too, what was more valuable—the scurvy grass.

From Project Gutenberg

Innumerable sheep, the familiar Cheviots and Southdowns, graze upon the wild scurvy-grass and sorrel.

From Project Gutenberg