rib-grass
(ˈrɪbgrɑːs, -æ-)
Also 6 rybgyrse, 9 dial. ribgirse, 6 ryb-, ribgrasse; 8–9 rib-grass, rib grass.
[f. rib n.1 + grass.]
1. = ribwort.
| 1538 Turner Libellus, Plantago, Majorem vulgus appellat waybred aut Plantane. Minorem vero Rybwort, rybgyrse, aut Lancell. 1548 ― Names Herbes (E.D.S.) 63 The other is called Rybwurte, or Rybgrasse. 1562 ― Herbal ii. 94 The lesse Kynde [of plantain]..is called..in many places rybgrasse. 1775 Ess. Agric. 434 The narrow-leaved plantain, or rib-grass, is well liked by horses and cattle. 1799 J. Robertson Agric. Perth 213 If the rotation admits of the grass lands lying a few years in pasture, there is commonly some white or yellow clover or rib-grass added. 1830 Kyle Farm Rep. 38 in L.U.K., Husb. III, Those sown on this farm besides rye grass, the clovers, and rib grass (plantago media), are timothy, and cocksfoot. 1855 Miss Pratt Flower. Pl. IV. 261 Modern farmers term it Rib-grass, including it among those plants which they distinguish as artificial grasses. |
| attrib. 1830 Lindley Introd. Bot. 194 The Rib-Grass Tribe. |
2. The Native Plantain (
Plantago varia) of Australia and Tasmania.
| 1898 in Morris Austral Eng. 387/1. |