herb Paris

American  

noun

herbs Paris plural

1. a European plant, Paris quadrifolia, of the lily family, formerly used in medicine.

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herb Paris British  

noun

1. a Eurasian woodland plant, Paris quadrifolia, with a whorl of four leaves and a solitary yellow flower: formerly used medicinally: family Trilliaceae

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Etymology

Origin of herb Paris

First recorded in 1560–70; by folk etymology with Paris, France; possibly from Medieval Latin herba paris “herb of a pair, of a couple” (referring to the regularity of the leaves and flowers); of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Paris quadrifolia, herb Paris, true-love, or one-berry, — in the Church Litten coppice.

From The Natural History of Selborne by White, Gilbert

Dear Miss Home—I enclose you a specimen of the herb Paris, which I promised to procure for you, if I could find one in Barton Wood.

From Julian Home by Farrar, F. W. (Frederic William)

“Julian,” whispered De Vayne as they went away, “would you mind my sending that herb Paris to Vi— I beg pardon, to Miss Home, to your sister.”

From Julian Home by Farrar, F. W. (Frederic William)