nosegay

American  

[nohz-gey] / ˈnoʊzˌgeɪ /

noun

1. a small bunch of flowers; bouquet; posy.

---

nosegay British  

/ ˈnəʊzˌɡeɪ /

noun

1. a small bunch of flowers; posy

---

Etymology

Origin of nosegay

1375–1425; late Middle English: literally, a gay (obsolete, something pretty; gay ) for the nose (i.e., to smell)

Example Sentences

And myself and Louise, tastefully attired and holding small nosegays of seasonal flowers.

From Literature

Pop tip cuttings into a small vase for a fragrant nosegay.

From Seattle Times

Ms. Zoller walked down the aisle carrying a nosegay of lily of the valley blooms, her grandmother’s favorite, from her own garden.

From New York Times

When they were done, Fern reluctantly contributed her two treasures to the nosegay.

From Literature

“Here’s your posy, Mother! Laurie never forgets that,” she said, putting the fresh nosegay in the vase that stood in ‘Marmee’s corner’, and was kept supplied by the affectionate boy.

From Literature