royal fern

American  

noun

1. a coarse fern, Osmunda regalis, having tall, upright fronds.

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royal fern British  

noun

1. a fern, Osmunda regalis , of damp regions, having large fronds up to 2 metres (7 feet) in height, some of which are modified for bearing spores: family Osmundaceae

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Etymology

Origin of royal fern

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

She came to rest on a royal fern.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Everyone in the city knew it, from bus stops and benches and lawn signs; it was as common in New Orleans as live oak or royal fern.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Away he rowed with them pulling for very life—in the direction of a small island in the loch, densely covered with the tall and stately fronds of the royal fern.

From Harper's Young People, December 9, 1879 An Illustrated Weekly by Various