moonwort

American  

[moon-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈmunˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. any fern of the genus Botrychium, especially B. lunaria, a rare fern having fronds with crescent-shaped leaflets.

2. honesty.

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moonwort British  

/ ˈmuːnˌwɜːt /

noun

1. Also called (US): grape fern. any of various ferns of the genus Botrychium, esp B. lunaria, which has crescent-shaped leaflets

2. another name for honesty

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Etymology

Origin of moonwort

First recorded in 1570–80; moon + wort ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

moonwort

Thin, green marsh fern circled lakes alongside moonwort, rattlesnake fern and horsetail.

From New York Times ● Oct. 21, 2016

The moonwort is supposed to be a very supernatural plant, and to have the power of opening locks if you place a leaf of it in the keyhole.

From Monitress Merle by Angela Brazil

With regard to the association with moonwort, it is interesting to recall that this is one of the plants supposed to be employed by birds for opening nests and removing impediments.

From Storyology Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore by Benjamin Taylor

"Horses that feeding on the grassy hills, Tread upon moonwort with their hollow heels, Though lately shod, at night go barefoot home Their maister musing where their shoes be gone."

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by George Henry Tilton

Gerard says of the herb true-love or moonwort, p.

From Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales A Sequel to the Nursery Rhymes of England by J. O. (James Orchard) Halliwell-Phillipps

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