holy grass

American  

noun

1. any of several fragrant grasses of the genus Hierochloë, especially H. odorata, the vanilla grass.

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Etymology

Origin of holy grass

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

She culled fresh blossoms at the God's command, Sweeping the altar with a careful hand; The holy grass for sacred rites she sought, And day by day the fairest water brought.

From Project Gutenberg

Sweet vernal grass, tall oat grass, holy grass, redtop, animated or wild oats, blue-joint, and porcupine grass are among them.

From Project Gutenberg

The golden ladles round it shone; And many a vase, which branches hid Fixed in the perforated lid, And sprays, and cups, and censers there Stood filled with incense rich and rare; Shell-bowls, and spoons, and salvers dressed With gifts that greet the honoured guest; Piles of parched rice some dishes bore, Others with corn prepared ran o'er; And holy grass was duly spread In equal lengths, while prayers were said.

From Project Gutenberg

Then with still lips and tranquil mind With his Videhan he reclined, In Vishṇu's chapel, on a bed Where holy grass was duly spread, While still the prince's every thought The God supreme, Náráyaṇ, sought.

From Project Gutenberg

As on the long-eyed lady strayed, On holy grass, whose points were laid Directed to the southern sky, The funeral offering met her eye.

From Project Gutenberg