costmary
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English
Etymology
From Latin costum, from Ancient Greek κόστος (kóstos, “an Oriental aromatic plant”), and Maria (“the Virgin Mary”); only indirectly related to English rosemary.
Noun
costmary (usually uncountable, plural costmaries)
- An aromatic plant (Tanacetum balsamita), once used to flavour ale (prior to use of hops); also used as a bookmark in Bibles and other holy texts to dissuade silverfish and other pests.
- Synonyms: alecost, mint geranium
- 1591, “Virgils Gnat”, in Edmund Spenser, transl., Complaints, translation of Culex by Virgil:
- The Marigolde, and cherefull Rosemarie; / The Spartan Mirtle, whence sweet gumb does flowe; / The purple Hyacinths, and fresh Costmarie, / And Saffron, sought for in Cilician soyle
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