English

Noun

virgalieu ‎(plural virgalieus)

1. A valuable kind of pear, of an obovate shape and with melting flesh of delicious flavor; also called White Doyenne.
   • 1861, Peter B. Mead, The Horticulturist and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste, Vol. XVI, p. 280:

     If "Virgalieu" is the term by which the White Doyenne pear is most generally known, (and this can not be denied) then to adopt the latter will produce just the confusion against which Mr. Eaton protests; and this is really the fact; for not half those who grow this pear will know what you mean, if you call it the White Doyenné.

Synonyms

• vergaloo (dated)

References

• virgalieu in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913