Solomon's seal

¹

noun

1. a mystic or talismanic symbol in the form of an interlaced outline of either a five-pointed or six-pointed star.

Solomon's-seal

²

[sol-uh-muhnz-seel]

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, of the lily family, having a thick rootstock bearing seallike scars, greenish-yellow flowers, and red or blue berries.

Solomon's seal

noun

1. another name for Star of David

2. any of several liliaceous plants of the genus Polygonatum of N temperate regions, having greenish or yellow paired flowers, long narrow waxy leaves, and a thick underground stem with prominent leaf scars

Word History and Origins

Origin of Solomon's seal¹

First recorded in 1535–45

Origin of Solomon's seal²

1535–45; translation of Medieval Latin sigillum Solomōnis

Word History and Origins

Origin of Solomon's seal¹

C16: translation of Medieval Latin sigillum Solomonis, perhaps referring to the resemblance of the leaf scars to seals