cicely
(ˈsɪsɪlɪ, ˈsaɪslɪ)
Also 6 cislie, 8 cecily.
[? ad. L. seselis, Gr. σέσελις, σέσελι seseli, but app. taken as identical with the feminine name Cicely, Cicyly = Cecilia. Walker pronounces as a dissyllable (ˈsɪslɪ).]
A popular name of several umbelliferous plants, almost co-extensive with chervil; as sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata), wild cicely (Anthriscus sylvestris). rough cicely (Torilis Anthriscus), fool's cicely (æthusa Cynapium). † silken cicely (Vincetoxicum officinale family Asclepiadaceæ).
| 1597 Gerarde Herbal ii. ccccxvi. 1039 We may fitly terme this plant wilde Cicely. Ibid. ii. cccxxxiii. (1633) 898 Swallow wort is called of the later herbarists vincetoxicum..of our gentlewomen it is called silken Cislie. 1668 Wilkins Real Char. ii. iv. §4. 88 Sweet Cicely, Wild Cicely. 1784 Twamley Dairying 117 Cow-weed, or wild Cecily, grows in hedges, blows in May. 1822 Loudon Encycl. Gardening §4723 (L.) The smell of Sweet Cicely attracts bees. |