cicely

[sis-uh-lee]

noun, plural cic·e·lies.

a plant, Myrrhis odorata, of the parsley family, having a fragrant aroma and sometimes used as a potherb.

Nearby words

Origin of cicely

1590–1600; < Latin seseli < Greek séselis, séseli hartwort, respelling through influence of proper name Cicely

Cicely

[sis-uh-lee]

noun

a female given name, form of Cecilia.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cicely

I told you, miss,” said Cicely, “that it would not be long before you found out what is meant by a toast.
The Chaplain of the Fleet|Walter Besant and James Rice
"Yes, I say so; bear witness to my words, good people all," replied Cicely in clear and ringing tones.
The Lady Of Blossholme|H. Rider Haggard
“They are anxious to find out your name, miss,” said Cicely.
The Chaplain of the Fleet|Walter Besant and James Rice
Presently he returned with a messenger in a splendid coat, who bowed to Cicely and asked if she were the Lady Harflete.
The Lady Of Blossholme|H. Rider Haggard

Then we held a parliament of four, counting Cicely, over the great question of my frocks.
The Chaplain of the Fleet|Walter Besant and James Rice

British Dictionary definitions for cicely

cicely

noun plural -lies

short for sweet cicely

Word Origin for cicely

C16: from Latin seselis, from Greek, of obscure origin; influenced in spelling by the English proper name Cicely

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cicely

Cicely

fem. proper name, an alteration or nativization of Cecilia. The plant (late 16c.) is Latin seselis, from Greek seselis.