释义 |
Danewort|ˈdeɪnwɜːt| Forms: 6 danwoort, danewurt, daine-, daynworte, 6–7 danwort, danewoort, 7– danewort. [f. Dane + wort, in accordance with a popular notion that the plant sprang up in places where Danes slaughtered Englishmen or were slaughtered by them.] A name for the Dwarf Elder, Sambucus Ebulus. (The name is found in Turner 1538, but only the earlier name Wallwort or Wellewort, OE. wealwyrt, is given in Sinon. Barthol. of 14th c., and Alphita c 1450; Rous also, who died 1491, in relating the legend, has only the name Walwort; so that the names Danewort, Daneweed, Dane's blood, etc. can hardly have belonged to early tradition. While suggested in part by the abundance of the plant at certain spots historically or traditionally associated with slaughter, there was also an element of fanciful etymology in explaining the Latin name Ebulus from ebullire to bubble forth, with reference to the flowing of blood. See also wallwort.)
a1491J. Rossi [Rous] Hist. Reg. Angl. (1716) 105 Herbam ebule, id est Walwort,..quæ ex ebullitione sanguinis humani naturaliter originem trahit. 1538Turner Libellus, Danwort, chameacte. 1551― Herbal i. (1568) O vj a, Walwurt..named in englyshe also danewurt..hath a spoky or busshy top as elder hath. 1578Lyte Dodoens iii. xlv. 380 This herbe is called..in Englishe Walwort, Danewort, and Bloodwort. 1640Parkinson Theatr. Bot. 210 It is supposed it tooke the name Danewort from the strong purging quality it hath, many times bringing them that use it unto a fluxe, which then we say they are troubled with the Danes. 1861Miss Pratt Flower. Pl. III. 131 Dwarf Elder, or Danewort..is..an herb and not a tree. |