bassinet
Also 9 bassinett(e.
[a. F. bassinet, diminutive of bassin basin; see basinet.]
1. (ˈbæsɪnɪt). Variant of basinet.
† 2. Herb. Name given to species of Ranunculus and Geranium, and to the Marsh Marigold. Obs.
| 1578 Lyte Dodoens 32 The Braue Bassinet, or Marshe Marigolde. Ibid. 47 Bassinet Geranium or Crowfoote. 1629 Parkinson Parad. (1656) 230 Some [Geraniums] are called in many places of England Bassinets. 1727 Bradley Fam. Dict. s.v. Bassinets, The yellow Bassinet grows usually upon a small Stalk. |
3. (
ˌbæsɪˈnɛt). An oblong wickerwork basket, with a hood over one end, used as a cradle for babies.
Also, a form of child's perambulator of the same shape.
| 1854 Thackeray Newcomes II. 122 The cradle or what I believe is called the bassinet of Master Pendennis. 1862 Macm. Mag. July 258 A row of bassinetts..indicated possibilities of sleep. a 1878 Princess Alice Mem. 85 Victoria sleeps in the bassinet, which is done up with chintz. |
| attrib. 1883 Daily News 18 Sept. 8/3 Very handsome Bassinette Perambulator..fitted with..brass-jointed hood. |