sea onion

American  

noun

1. Also called sea squill.  a Mediterranean plant, Urginea maritima, of the lily family, yielding medicinal squill.

2. a squill, Scilla verna, of the Isle of Wight, having narrow leaves and clusters of violet flowers.

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sea onion British  

noun

1. another name for sea squill

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Etymology

Origin of sea onion

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Squilly, or the sea onion, to which great medicinal qualities are ascribed, grows in great abundance in these islands, and might be procured in almost any quantity.

From Observations Upon the Windward Coast of Africa by Corry, Joseph

The sea onion, or squill, was administered by the Egyptians, in cases of dropsy, under the mystic title of the eye of Typhon.

From Thaumaturgia by Oxonian, An

Platina also adds the squill or sea onion to this category.

From Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Vehling, Joseph Dommers