polygala vulgaris

4 definitions found

polygala vulgaris - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Gang-flower \Gang"-flow`er\, n. (Bot.)
     The common English milkwort (Polygala vulgaris), so called
     from blossoming in gang week. --Dr. Prior.
     [1913 Webster]

  Milkwort \Milk"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
     A genus of plants (Polygala) of many species. The common
     European Polygala vulgaris was supposed to have the power
     of producing a flow of milk in nurses.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The species of Campanula, or bellflower, are
           sometimes called milkwort, from their juice.
           [1913 Webster]

  Rogation \Ro*ga"tion\, n. [L. rogatio, fr. rogare, rogatum, to
     ask, beg, supplicate: cf. F. rogation. Cf. Abrogate,
     Arrogant, Probogue.]
     1. (Rom. Antiq.) The demand, by the consuls or tribunes, of a
        law to be passed by the people; a proposed law or decree.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication.
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              He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in
              use.                                  --Hooker.
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     Rogation days (Eccl.), the three days which immediately
        precede Ascension Day; -- so called as being days on
        which the people, walking in procession, sang litanies of
        special supplication.
  
     Rogation flower (Bot.), a European species of milkwort
        (Polygala vulgaris); -- so called from its former use
        for garlands in Rogation week. --Dr. Prior.
  
     Rogation week, the second week before Whitsunday, in which
        the Rogation days occur.
        [1913 Webster]

polygala vulgaris - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Polygala vulgaris
      n 1: small European perennial with numerous branches having
           racemes of blue, pink or white flowers; formerly reputed to
           promote human lactation [syn: common milkwort, gand flower
           , Polygala vulgaris]