gillyflower

or gil·li·flow·er

[ jil-ee-flou-er ]

noun

1. Archaic. any of several fragrant flowers of the genus Dianthus, as the carnation or clove pink.
2. any of various other usually fragrant flowers, especially a stock, Matthiola incana, of the mustard family.

gillyflower

/ ˈdʒɪlɪˌflaʊə /

noun

1. any of several plants having fragrant flowers, such as the stock and wallflower
2. See carnation
   an archaic name for carnation

Word History and Origins

Origin of gillyflower¹

1300–50; alteration (by association with flower ) of Middle English gilofre, geraflour < Old French gilofre, girofle < Latin caryophyllum < Greek karyóphyllon clove ( káryo ( n ) nut + phýllon leaf )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gillyflower¹

C14: changed (through influence of flower ) from gilofre, from Old French girofle, from Medieval Latin, from Greek karuophullon clove tree, from karuon nut + phullon leaf

Example Sentences

The latter is a fragrant yellow-colored water, prepared from gillyflower, jasmine, and flor de mistela (Talinum umbellatum).

From Project Gutenberg

Ten Week Stock—the "Gillyflower" of grandmother's garden—is a late bloomer.

From Project Gutenberg

Mother used to tell how before I were born, she were in a terrible hurry to eat a Cornish Gillyflower.

From Project Gutenberg

In a wet place the "gillyflower" was growing, suggesting our dentaria, or crinkle-root.

From Project Gutenberg

"You're such a dear, Gillyflower," she said with that impulsive, lovable charm of manner which it was so difficult to resist.

From Project Gutenberg