Dutchman's breeches

American  

[duhch-muhnz brich-iz] / ˈdʌtʃ mənz ˈbrɪtʃ ɪz /

Or Dutchman's-breeches

noun

plural

Dutchman's breeches

1. a plant, Dicentra cucullaria, of the fumitory family, having long clusters of pale yellow, two-spurred flowers.

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Dutchman's-breeches British  

noun

1. Also called: colicweed.  (functioning as singular) a North American plant, Dicentra cucullaria, with finely divided basal leaves and pink flowers: family Fumariaceae

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Etymology

Origin of Dutchman's breeches

First recorded in 1830–40; so called from the shape of the flowers

Example Sentences

Norway maple is an invasive plant that has escaped from cultivation to displace sugar maple and shade to death spring wildflowers such as Dutchman’s breeches, dog-tooth violet and mayapple.

From Washington Times • Oct. 8, 2019

Lessons similar to that on the trillium may be based on adder's tongue, Indian turnip, Dutchman's breeches, violet, and clover.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education

The purple trilliums, like the Dutchman’s breeches, felt the effects of the many April and early May frosts but now they are coming into their beauty.

From Some Spring Days in Iowa by Lazell, Frederick John

"Yes, I see a piece of blue big enough for a Dutchman's breeches so I think the rain is over, but you'd better put on your rubbers, Molly."

From Three Little Cousins by Blanchard, Amy Ella

“Well,” Gladys defended herself, “Katherine said there was enough blue to patch the Dutchman’s breeches and―” “But it was you who said that was enough to start out on,” retorted Katherine.

From The Campfire Girls on Ellen's Isle The Trail of the Seven Cedars by Frey, Hildegard G. (Hildegard Gertrude)