nosegay

American  

[nohz-gey] / ˈnoʊzˌgeɪ /

noun

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

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nosegay British  

/ ˈnəʊzˌɡeɪ /

noun

1. a small bunch of flowers; posy

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Etymology

Origin of nosegay

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

Example Sentences

I learn, however, with something approaching to horror, that the Nosegay in question has been counterfeited.

From A Bibliographical, Antiquarian and Picturesque Tour in France and Germany, Volume Three by Dibdin, Thomas Frognall

I was reading a story—one of the Nosegay Novelettes; I do not know if you are familiar with the series, sir?—in which much the same situation occurred.

From Three Men and a Maid by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

The minor pieces included the sonnet "To the Primrose," already quoted, "My love, thou art a Nosegay sweet," and "What is Life?"

From Life and Remains of John Clare "The Northamptonshire Peasant Poet" by Cherry, J. L.

After studying over it a moment she remembered there was a poem in "Songs for the Little Ones at Home," called "The Orphan Nosegay Girl."

From Georgina of the Rainbows by Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)

Nosegay, nōz′gā, n. a bunch of fragrant flowers: a posy or bouquet.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various