prunella
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See also: Prunella
English[edit]
Etymology 1[edit]
From post-classical Latin prunella, from brunus + -ella, perhaps because of the plant's brown sepals.
Noun[edit]
prunella (plural prunellas)
Etymology 2[edit]
From post-classical Latin prunella, alternation of brunella (“infectious epidemic”), from brunus + -ella.
Noun[edit]
prunella (uncountable)
- (obsolete, medicine) Any of various diseases characterised by inflammation of the mouth or throat. [17th–18th c.]
Derived terms[edit]
Etymology 3[edit]
Probably a variant of prunello, with reference to the colour of the fabric. Compare French prunelle.
Noun[edit]
prunella (uncountable)
- (now rare, historical) A smooth worsted or silk fabric, generally black, formerly used for making shoes and clergymen's gowns. [from 17th c.]
- 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening:
- When Edna knocked at Mademoiselle Reisz's front room door and entered, she discovered that person standing beside the window, engaged in mending or patching an old prunella gaiter.
- 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening: