Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun An abundant species of geranium, Geranium Robertianum, of both Europe and America: said to be so called because it was used to cure a disease known as Robert's plague, from Robert, Duke of Normandy.

Etymologies

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  • "An abundant species of geranium, Geranium Robertianum, of both Europe and America: said to be so called because it was used to cure a disease known as Robert's plague, from Robert, Duke of Normandy. Its reddish stems have given it the names redshanks and dragon's-blood, while a certain unpleasant odor has earned for it the name of stinking crane's-bill. In West Cumberland, England, there is a superstition that if it is plucked misfortune will follow, and it is there called death-come-quickly."

    --Century Dictionary

    September 15, 2010