cabbage

¹cab·bage

noun, often attributive \ˈka-bij\

Definition of CABBAGE

1

a : any of several brassicas (Brassica oleracea) of European origin; especially : a leafy garden plant (Brassica oleracea capitata) with a short stem and a dense globular head of usually green leaves that is used as a vegetable

b : any of several plants related to or resembling cabbage

2

slang : money, cash

— cab·bagey also cab·bagy \-bə-jē\ adjective

Origin of CABBAGE

Middle English caboche, from Middle French dialect (Norman & Picard), literally, head, noggin

First Known Use: 15th century

²cabbage

noun

Definition of CABBAGE

: pieces of cloth left in cutting out garments and traditionally kept by tailors as perquisites

Origin of CABBAGE

perhaps by folk etymology from Middle French cabas cheating, theft

³cabbage

transitive verb

cab·bagedcab·bag·ing

Definition of CABBAGE

: steal, filch

First Known Use of CABBAGE

1691

cabbage

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata).—Derek Fell

Leafy garden plant (Brassica oleracea, variety capitata) of European origin, with a short stem and a globular head of usually green leaves. A member of the mustard family, it is a major table vegetable in most countries of the temperate zone. The term cabbage also refers more generally to a vegetable and fodder plant of various horticultural forms developed by long cultivation from the wild, or sea, cabbage (B. oleracea) found near the seacoast in England and continental Europe. The common forms may be classified by the plant parts used for food: leaves (e.g., kale, collard, common cabbage, Brussels sprout); flowers and flower stalks (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower); and stems (e.g., kohlrabi). Cabbages grow best in mild to cool climates and tolerate frost. Edible portions are low in caloric value and are an excellent source of vitamin C, minerals, and dietary fibre. See also Chinese cabbage.