fairy-ring
(ˈfɛərɪrɪŋ)
[f. as fairy n. and a. + ring.]
A circular band of grass differing in colour from the grass around it, a phenomenon supposed in popular belief to be produced by fairies when dancing; really caused by the growth of certain fungi.
| 1599 B. Jonson Ev. Man out of Hum. Epil., Let.. turtle⁓footed peace dance fayrie rings About her court. 1698 Norris Pract. Disc. (1707) IV. 222 We tread the same Fairy-ring. 1791 E. Darwin Bot. Gard. i. 36 So from dark clouds the playful lightning springs, Rives the firm oak, or prints the Fairy-rings. 1832 Veg. Subst. Food 328 The ‘fairy rings’..are found..upon dry downs. 1875 in Sussex Gloss. |
b. attrib. in fairy-ring-champignon, etc.
| 1884 Miller Plant-n., Fairy-ring Champignon, see Champignon. Ibid., Mushroom, fairy-ring. Marasmius oreades and M. urens. |