Turk's-cap lily

[ turks-kap ]

noun

1. either of two lilies, Lilum martagon or L. superbum, having nodding flowers with the perianth segments rolled backward.

Turk's-cap lily

noun

1. any of several cultivated lilies, such as Lilium martagon and L. superbum , that have brightly coloured flowers with reflexed petals See also martagon

Word History and Origins

Origin of Turk's-cap lily¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Word History and Origins

Origin of Turk's-cap lily¹

C17: so called because of a resemblance between its flowers and a turban

Example Sentences

Martagon, m�r′ta-gon, n. the Turk's-cap lily.

From Project Gutenberg

Perianth-segments strongly revolute Turk's-cap Lily, Lilium superbum. 18b.

From Project Gutenberg

The Canada bell-lily needs the setting of meadow grasses to veil its long, stiff stalks, while the Turk's-cap lily seems the most at home of all in garden surroundings, but it only gains its greatest size in the deep meadows, where, without being wet, there is a certain moisture beneath the deep old turf, and this turf itself not only keeps out frost, but moderates the sun's rays in their transit to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg