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

The houseleek and bay tree were supposed to afford protection from lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

It is true that in that dim light the houseleek was only a dusky little knob.

From Project Gutenberg

Why does he let the houseleek remain on the roof; why trim and encourage the thick growth of ivy that clothes the chimney?

From Project Gutenberg

Bertie smoked his pipe, and surveyed the houseleek as if it were a newly-discovered star.

From Project Gutenberg

Charlemagne ordered the Houseleek to be planted on the roof of every house on this account.

From Project Gutenberg