goat's-rue

[ gohts-roo ]

noun

1. Also called catgut. a hairy American plant, Tephrosia virginiana, of the legume family, having yellow and pink flowers.
2. a European plant, Galega officinalis, of the legume family, formerly used in medicine.

goat's-rue

noun

1. Also calledFrench lilac a Eurasian leguminous plant, Galega officinalis, cultivated for its white, mauve, or pinkish flowers: formerly used medicinally
2. a North American leguminous plant, Tephrosia virginiana, with pink-and-yellow flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of goat's-rue¹

First recorded in 1570–80