rocambole

[rok-uh m-bohl]

noun

a European plant, Allium scorodoprasum, of the amaryllis family, used like garlic.

Origin of rocambole

1690–1700; < French < German Rockenbolle literally, distaff bulb (from its shape)

Also called giant garlic.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rocambole

Historical Examples of rocambole

Deep would answer to deep, Rocambole to M. Lecoq, in protesting against such an omission of their manufacturers.
A History of the French Novel, Vol. 2
George Saintsbury
The latter parts of Rocambole are surely too sparingly consulted in the country which they celebrate.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition
Robert Louis Stevenson
In every age there have been bands of dangerous creatures, led by such men as Cartouche and Vidocq and Rocambole.
Fantmas
Pierre Souvestre
I would give anything to have known Vidocq and Cartouche and Rocambole, and to have seen them at close quarters.
Fantmas
Pierre Souvestre
In the same manner take up onions and rocambole, and shalots at the latter end of the month.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton

British Dictionary definitions for rocambole

rocambole

noun

a variety of sand leek whose garlic-like bulb is used for seasoning

Word Origin for rocambole

C17: from French, from German Rockenbolle, literally: distaff bulb (with reference to its shape)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012