alexanders
(ælɪgˈzɑːndəz, -æ-)
Forms: 1 alexandre, 3–4 alisaundre, 5–6 alysaunder, 7 allis-, alys-, 8 ales-, 7–9 alis-, 6– alexander(s.
[Cf. Fr. alexandre (Lyte's Dodoens), alisandre Palsg., alisaundre, alissandere Godef., med.L. name Petroselinum Alexandrinum, a synonym of P. Macedonicum. The note in Holland's Pliny (1634) II. 30 that alisanders is ‘a corrupt word from olus atrum, as if one would say olusatres,’ seems disproved by the 10th c. alexandre.]
An umbelliferous plant (Smyrnium Olusatrum), called also Horse-parsley, formerly cultivated and eaten like celery.
| c 940 Sax. Leechd. II. 120 Wyrc to drence alexandre. c 1300 in Wright Lyric P. v. 26 With alisaundre thare-to, ache ant anys. 1440 Promp. Parv., Alysaunder, herbe, or stanmarche, Macedonia. 1578 Lyte Dodoens 608 In Frenche Grand Ache or Alexandre..in English, Alexanders. 1579 Langham Gard. Health (1633) ii, Alysander, the seeds drunke alone..dissolueth winde and griping in the body. 1580 Tusser Husb. xl, Herbes and rootes for sallets and sauce, Alexanders, at all times. 1669 J. W[orlidge] Syst. Agric. (1681) 270 Now sow..Sellery, Smallage, Allisanders. 1813 Marshall Gard. xv. (ed. 5) 214 Alexander is a culinary plant, formerly much used, but has given way to celery. 1861 Pratt Flower. Pl. III. 9 Smyrnium (Alexanders). |