by folk etymology from Middle English gilofre clove, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French girofle, from Latin caryophyllum, from Greek karyophyllon, from karyon nut + phyllon leaf — more at careen, blade
1551, in the meaning defined above
gilly
gillyflower
gillygaupus
“Gillyflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gillyflower. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gillyflower
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
See Definitions and Examples »
Get Word of the Day daily email!
Share