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Webster 1913 Edition
Asphodel
As′pho-del
,Noun.
[L.
asphodelus
, Gr. [GREEK]. See Daffodil
.] (Bot.)
A general name for a plant of the genus
Asphodelus
. The asphodels are hardy perennial plants, several species of which are cultivated for the beauty of their flowers. ☞ The name is also popularly given to species of other genera. The asphodel of the early English and French poets was the daffodil. The asphodel of the Greek poets is supposed to be the
Narcissus poeticus
. Dr. Prior.
Pansies, and violets, and
asphodel
. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Asphodel
AS'PHODEL
,Noun.
King's-spear; a genus of lilaceous plants, cultivated for the beauty of their flowers. The ancients planted asphodels near graves, to supply the names of the dead with nourishment.
Definition 2024
asphodel
asphodel
English
white asphodel, Asphodelus albus, an aspoldel
Noun
asphodel (usually uncountable, plural asphodels)
- Flowering plants of the Asphodelaceae family, especially Asphodelus ramosus and Asphodelus albus; the flowers of these plants.
- (Greek mythology) The flower said to carpet Hades, and a favorite food of the dead.
- 1674, John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book 9:
- Her hand he seis'd, and to a shadie bank,
- Thick overhead with verdant roof imbowr'd
- He led her nothing loath; Flours were the Couch,
- Pansies, and Violets, and Asphodel,
- And Hyacinth, Earths freshest softest lap.
- 1674, John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book 9:
Translations
plant of the genus Asphodelus
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