† polytrich Obs. rare.
(ˈpɒlɪtrɪk)
(Erron. politrich.)
[ad. L. polytrichon, Gr. πολύτριχον, name of two ferns = maidenhair 1 a, b; f. πολύς much + θρίξ, τριχ- hair.]
A rendering of L. Polytrichon, under which the herbalists (e.g. Dodoens and Lyte) included the ferns Adiantum Capillusveneris and Asplenium Trichomanes, both called Maidenhair, and the moss Polytrichum commune (Golden Maidenhair).
| [1578 Lyte Dodoens iii. lxviii. 409 The first kinde is called..in Latine Adiantum, Polytrichum [etc.]. Ibid. lxix. 410 This herbe is called..in Latine..Trichomanes; in the Shoppes Polytrichon. Ibid. lxxi. 412 [Mosse] 3. Goldylockes, Polytrichon, or Golden Maydenheare. The third kind which some call Golden Polytrichon, hath very small slender stalkes.] 1725 Bradley Fam. Dict. s.v., The Virtues of Politrich are to dry, dissolve, and digest. |