† ˈsicklewort Obs.
[f. sickle n.]
a. The scarlet pimpernel. b. The plant self-heal (Prunella vulgaris).
Gerarde appears to be the source of all later references.
| c 1450 Alphita (Anecd. Oxon.) 196/2 [Ypia] maior,..angl. marie goldwert, secundum quosdam, an. sikelwert uel chikemete. 1597 Gerarde Herbal 507 Brunell is called in English Prunell, Carpenters herbe, Selfeheale, and Hookeheale, and Sicklewoort. 1611 Cotgr. s.v. Oingtereule. 1766 Museum Rust. VI. 448. 1863 Prior Plant-n., Sickle-wort, from the shape of its flowers, which seen in profile resemble a sickle, Prunella vulgaris. |