English Explanatory Dictionary

costmary

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.

Word forms

costmary costmaries

Etymology

From Latin costum, from Ancient Greek κόστος (kóstos, “an Oriental aromatic plant”), and Maria (“the Virgin Mary”); only indirectly related to English rosemary.

Synonyms

alecost mint geranium
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