nosegay

[ nohz-gey ]

noun

1. a small bunch of flowers; bouquet; posy.

nosegay

/ ˈnəʊzˌɡeɪ /

noun

1. a small bunch of flowers; posy

Word History and Origins

Origin of nosegay¹

1375–1425; late Middle English: literally, a gay (obsolete, something pretty; gay ) for the nose (i.e., to smell)

Word History and Origins

Origin of nosegay¹

C15: from nose + archaic gay a toy

Example Sentences

When our nosegay is ready, we lay the cone with the flowers very carefully in a dish of water.

From Project Gutenberg

So she has a notion she must be very fine indeed now, carrying a nosegay bigger than her own head.

From Project Gutenberg

So Catherine sings, as she gathers her nosegay: "Away to the woods alone" and "My heart is for him, my heart is for him."

From Project Gutenberg

It would puzzle a gardener to surpass the elegance and delicacy of such a nosegay.

From Project Gutenberg

So what does he do, on obtaining the nosegay, but examine it well.

From Project Gutenberg