lovage

American  

[luhv-ij] / ˈlʌv ɪdʒ /

noun

1. a European plant, Levisticum officinale, of the parsley family, having coarsely toothed compound leaves, cultivated in gardens.

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lovage British  

/ ˈlʌvɪdʒ /

noun

1. a European umbelliferous plant, Levisticum officinale, with greenish-white flowers and aromatic fruits, which are used for flavouring food

2. a similar and related plant, Ligusticum scoticum, of N Europe

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Etymology

Origin of lovage

1350–1400; Middle English loveache < Anglo-French luvesche (by association with ache celery < Latin apium ) < Old English lufestice (by syncope) < Medieval Latin levistica, for Late Latin levisticum, alteration of Latin ligusticum lovage, noun use of neuter of Ligusticus Ligurian

Example Sentences

Chervil, summer savory, fennel and lovage are exceptions, as they do benefit from modest fertilizer applications.

From Washington Times • May 23, 2023

Our beloved thirschfeld adds: "The smell is a magical anise elixir, packed with the promise of the other herbs that will follow close behind: lovage, savory, chervil, and chives."

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2020

Unlikely perennials for containers include blackberries and blueberries and "you can get a purple raspberry that does well", plus oregano or sage and more unusual herbs like lovage or savory.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2020

Next, in keeping with the Pompeian penchant for seafood, was a briny dish of pickled mussels sitting in a lovage froth and seasoned with mussel cream and garum.

From New York Times • Dec. 23, 2019

On the right-hand side are the teats and belly of a sow, just farrowed, fried with sweet wine, oil, flour, lovage, and pepper.

From The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle by Smollett, T. (Tobias)