fly-bane
[f. fly n.1 + bane.]
1. The popular name of various plants: (a) = catchfly; (b) the ploughman's spikenard (Inula Conyza); (c) (see quot. 1863).
| 1597 Gerarde Herbal Table Eng. names, Fliebane and his kinds, see catch Flie. 1819 Rees Cycl., Fly-bane, in Botany, see Silene. 1861 Miss Pratt Flower. Pl. III. 300 Inula Conyza (Ploughman's Spikenard)..possesses..a valuable oil..which is said to destroy insects; hence the plant is sometimes called Fly-bane. 1863 Prior Plant-n., Flybane, from being used mixed with milk to kill flies. Agaricus muscarius L. |
2. Poison for flies; in quot. the venom of spiders.
| 1704 Swift Batt. Bks. 247 An over-weening Pride [in the Spider]..turns all into Excrement and Venom; producing nothing at last, but Fly-bane and a Cobweb. |