crown imperial

American  

noun

1. an Iranian plant, Fritillaria imperialis, of the lily family, having a purple-spotted stem and a whorl of usually reddish-orange flowers hanging beneath a tuft of leaves, grown as an ornamental.

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crown imperial British  

noun

1. a liliaceous garden plant, Fritillaria imperialis, with a cluster of leaves and orange bell-shaped flowers at the top of the stem

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Etymology

Origin of crown imperial

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

Looking unexpected amid all the spring pastels, crown imperials warm up the garden at Easter time.

From Seattle Times

Here, by the broken, moldering wall, Where still the tiger-lilies ride, Once grew the crown imperial, The tall blue larkspur, white Queen Margaret, Prince's-feather, and mourning bride.

From Project Gutenberg

In good St. Thomas' Hospital, He was the crown imperial Of all the scholars of his year.

From Project Gutenberg

For now sits Expectation in the air, And hides a sword from hilts unto the point With crowns imperial, crowns, and coronets, Promis’d to Harry and his followers.

From Project Gutenberg

The monarch sat on his judgment seat; On his brow the crown imperial shone; The prisoner fay was at his feet, And his peers were ranged around the throne.

From Project Gutenberg