Guernsey lily

American  

noun

1. a bulbous plant, Nerine sarniensis, of the amaryllis family, native to southern Africa, having clusters of crimson flowers.

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Guernsey lily British  

noun

1. See nerine

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Etymology

Origin of Guernsey lily

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Guernsey lily

Of the flowers, both indigenous and exotic, that abound throughout the islands, it is sufficient to mention the Guernsey lily with its rich red petals, which is supposed to have been brought from Japan.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 7 "Cerargyrite" to "Charing Cross" by Various

Footnote 22: The Guernsey lily from Japan has its name from the Island of Guernsey, on which some roots of it were cast by a wrecked vessel.

From The Campaner Thal and Other Writings by Jean Paul

A. Sarniensis, Guernsey lily, I find the following statement: "It was cultivated at Wimbledon, in England, by General Lambert, in 1659."

From Notes and Queries, Number 184, May 7, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George