rampion

American  

[ram-pee-uhn] / ˈræm pi ən /

noun

1. a European bellflower, Campanula rapunculus, of the bellflower family, having an edible white tuberous root used in Europe for salad.

2. any related plant of the genus Phyteuma, having heads or spikes of blue flowers.

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rampion British  

/ ˈræmpɪən /

noun

1. a campanulaceous plant, Campanula rapunculus , native to Europe and Asia, that has clusters of bluish flowers and an edible white tuberous root used in salads

2. any of several plants of the related genus Phyteuma that are native to Europe and Asia and have heads of blue flowers

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Etymology

Origin of rampion

First recorded in 1565–75; probably alteration of Middle French raiponce, from Italian raponzo, derivative of rapa “turnip”; see origin at rape ²)

Example Sentences

"Oh," answered she, "I shall die unless I can have some of that rampion to eat that grows in the garden at the back of our house."

From Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm by Crane, Lucy

How can't thou dare," said she with angry look, "to descend into my garden and steal my rampion like a thief?

From The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 05 Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English by Various

The man, who loved her, thought, "Sooner than let your wife die, bring her some of the rampion yourself, let it cost you what it will."

From Grimm's Fairy Stories by Owen, R. Emmett (Robert Emmett)

My wife saw your rampion from the window, and felt such a longing for it that she would have died if she had not got some to eat.'

From Grimm's Fairy Tales by Grimm, Wilhelm

My wife saw your rampion from her window, and conceived such a desire for it that she would certainly have died if her wish had not been gratified.'

From The Red Fairy Book by Lang, Andrew