lady's-slipper

Or la·dy-slip·per

[ley-deez-slip-er]

noun

1. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, the flowers of which have a protruding petal somewhat resembling a slipper: all species are reduced in numbers, some greatly.

2. any of several other related plants having similar flowers, as of the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium.

lady's-slipper

noun

1. any of various orchids of the Eurasian genus Cypripedium, esp C. calceolus, having reddish or purple flowers See also moccasin flower cypripedium

Word History and Origins

Origin of lady's-slipper¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40