planta genista

[plan-tuh]

noun

Heraldry.

1. a representation of a sprig of broom: used as a badge of the Plantagenets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of planta genista¹

< New Latin: broom plant; plant, genista

Example Sentences

The Counts of Anjou used to wear a sprig of broom, or planta genista, in their helmets, and from this they were called the Plantagenet Kings.

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Its modern Latin name is Cytisus scoparius, but under its then Latin name of Planta genista it gave its name to the Plantagenet family, either in the time of Henry II., as generally reported, or probably still earlier.

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The Broom-plant with its seed-pods, in Latin Planta genista, No. 21, gave its name to the Plantagenet Dynasty.

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It formerly bore the name of Planta Genista, and gave rise to the historic title, "Plantagenet."

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He was none of the meek, indifferent stock that the Planta Genista sometimes bore, but all the resolution and brilliancy of the line had descended on him in full measure, and all the sweetness and courtesy, together with all the pride and ambition of his race, shone in his blue eye, and animated his noble and gracious figure.

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