Middle English Dictionary Entry
piretrum n.
Entry Info
| Forms | piretrum n. Also peretrum & peretre, peretro. |
| Etymology | ML piritrum & OF piretre; cp. CL pyrē̆thrum, from Gr. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. peritori(e, peletre.
1.
(a) The medicinal root, pellitory or pellitory of Spain Anacyclus pyrethrum; also, the herb pellitory of the wall Parietaria officinalis or a similar plant; (b) wild thyme Thymus serpyllum.
Associated quotations
a
- [ c1465(?1373) *Lelamour Macer (Sln 5)63a : Piretum domesticum [marg.: id est, pinedoke, id est, peleter comen. ]
- [ c1465(?1373) *Lelamour Macer (Sln 5)63b : Pyretum [marg.: peleter of spayn]. ]
- [ ?c1425 Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)627/5 : Piretrum, pilettre, is a rote. ]
- ?a1200(?OE) PDidax.(Hrl 6258b)31/6 : Ad eos qui non habent appetitum ad cibum..nim peretrum wyð mede gemengded..and sile hym drince.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)42a/a : In colde materie, forsoþ, in þe bigynnyng be þer made a gargarisme with oximel; afterward ascende he to..piretrum [Ch.(2): pelletre] & asa fetida.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)394 : Peretre, herbe: Peretrum.
b
- a1500 Dresd.Gloss.434 : Serpillum: peretro.