pewterwort Herb.
(ˈpjuːtəwɜːt)
[f. pewter + wort.]
A name given to the plant Equisetum hyemale on account of its use in polishing pewter and other utensils.
| 1597 Gerarde Herbal ii. ccccxlii. 958 Italian rushie Horse taile... Women..scowre their pewter and wooden things of the kitchen therewith,..and thereupon some of our huswiues do call it Pewterwoort. 1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden xxxiii. 69 The rougher kind hereof, called in English Shave⁓grass,..hath been by some of them called Pewterwort. 1883 Jefferies in Longm. Mag. June 195 One the moist banks jointed pewterwort. |