vervain

[ vur-veyn ]

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Verbena, of the verbena family, having elongated or flattened spikes of stalkless flowers.

vervain

/ ˈvɜːveɪn /

noun

1. any of several verbenaceous plants of the genus Verbena, having square stems and long slender spikes of purple, blue, or white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of vervain¹

1350–1400; Middle English vervaine < Anglo-French, Middle French verveine < Latin verbēna leafy twig, holy bough carried by priests

Word History and Origins

Origin of vervain¹

C14: from Old French verveine, from Latin verbēna sacred bough; see verbena

Example Sentences

They insist that this power is given to them by vervain, especially when the damsels are young and handsome.

From Project Gutenberg

Hang a root of vervain around the neck in order to cause the disappearance of a tumour: as the plant dries up, so will the tumour.

From Project Gutenberg

The vervain and other plants had also their distinct ceremonial.

From Project Gutenberg

The faint odor of vervain filled his nostrils, and he breathed quickly.

From Project Gutenberg

There was still the delicate odor of vervain—her perfume—clinging to it.

From Project Gutenberg