hyssop

American  

[his-uhp] / ˈhɪs əp /

noun

1. any of several aromatic herbs belonging to the genus Hyssopus, of the mint family, especially H. officinalis, native to Europe, having clusters of small blue flowers.

2. any of several related or similar plants, especially of the genera Agastache or Gratiola.

3. Bible. a plant, perhaps the origan, whose twigs were used in ceremonial sprinkling.

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hyssop British  

/ ˈhɪsəp /

noun

1. a widely cultivated Asian plant, Hyssopus officinalis, with spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves, used as a condiment and in perfumery and folk medicine: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

2. any of several similar or related plants such as the hedge hyssop

3. a Biblical plant, used for sprinkling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews

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Etymology

Origin of hyssop

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English ysope, from Late Latin ysōpus, for Latin hyssōpus, from Greek hýssōpos, from Semitic (compare Hebrew ēzōbh ); conformed to Latin or Greek from the mid-16th century

Example Sentences

Hyssop tea, sweetened with honey, is useful to promote perspiration in colds and catarrh.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George

You see, Hyssop Burges was my mother, and when father died I had the rights of the story from her.

From Humorous Ghost Stories by Scarborough, Dorothy

He should receive a Glyster, but without Oil, with double the Quantity of Salt, and a Bit of Soap of the Size of a small Egg; or with four or five Sprigs of Hedge Hyssop.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)

“What d’ye mean by that?” demanded Colonel Hyssop, setting down his cocktail with unsteady fingers.

From A Young Man in a Hurry and Other Short Stories by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Hyssop 108   Of inevitable Distinction of Rank, and necessary Submission to Authority.

From Time and Tide by Weare and Tyne Twenty-five Letters to a Working Man of Sunderland on the Laws of Work by Ruskin, John