a herbaceous plant, Chrysanthemum balsamita, native to Asia. Its fragrant leaves were used as a seasoning and to flavour ale: family Asteraceae (composites)
Also called: alecost
Word origin
C15 costmarie, from Latin costum aromatic plant + Marie (the Virgin) Mary
costmary in American English
(ˈkɑstˌmɛri; ˈkɔstˌmɛri)
noun
an herb (Chrysanthemum balsamita) of the composite family, with many small flower heads, having sweet-smelling leaves that are used in flavoring
Word origin
ME costmarye < cost (< OE < L costum < Gr kostos, name of an aromatic plant) + Marie, (St.) Mary