sparrowgrass

[ spar-oh-gras, -grahs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Informal.

sparrowgrass

/ ˈspærəʊˌɡrɑːs /

First recorded in 1650–60; by folk etymology

C17: variant of asparagus , associated by folk etymology with sparrow and grass

Look at old Pedro and Philippa over there, setting out that stuff that looks like sparrowgrass.

Mrs. Sparrowgrass and I have concluded to try it once more; we are going to give the country another chance.

"Now," said I to Mrs. Sparrowgrass, "we shall have fresh fish to-morrow for breakfast," and went out to set it.

Besides, Mrs. Sparrowgrass had bought a rattle when she was in Philadelphia; such a rattle as watchmen carry there.

If ever I felt angry at anybody it was at myself for putting up those bars to please Mrs. Sparrowgrass.

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