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

They gain'd, I ween, in largess a thousand marks or more, When Kriemhild fair with Etzel the crown imperial wore.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

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 The Melody of Earth An Anthology of Garden and Nature Poems From Present-Day Poets by Various

His realm is declared to be an empire, and his crown imperial, by many acts of parliament, particularly the statutes 24 Hen.

From Commentaries on the Laws of England Book the First by Blackstone, William, Sir

Sow the seeds of flower de luce and crown imperial, as also of auriculas and polyanthuses, according to the method before recommended.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

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 The Culprit Fay and Other Poems by Drake, Joseph Rodman