Nosegay, n. meanings, etymology and more
Nosegay illustration of a nosegay by Currier and Ives Bouquet holder A nosegay, posy, or tussie-mussie is a small flower bouquet. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice. [1] Doilies are traditionally used to bind the stems in these arrangements. In this context, a nosegay specifically refers to a small bouquet of flowers, herbs, or aromatic plants that is arranged and carried with the intention of providing a pleasant fragrance. The concept of carrying a nosegay dates back to medieval times when people believed that the strong scents of flowers and herbs could help mask unpleasant odors or ward off diseases. Nosegay
The meaning of NOSEGAY is a small bunch of flowers: posy. Did you know?. Green fingers and thumbs The language of gardening. Add nosegay to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Nosegay
Nosegay definition: a small bunch of flowers; bouquet; posy.. See examples of NOSEGAY used in a sentence. There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun nosegay , two of which are labelled obsolete. Etymons: nose n. NOSEGAY
nosegay, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary. Nosegay is a homegrown word—that is, it originated in English. That makes nosegay an appropriate term for a bunch of flowers, which is indeed an ornament that appeals to the nose. 
Nosegay
nosegay, small, hand-held bouquet popular in mid- 19th-century Victorian England as an accessory carried by fashionable ladies. Composed of mixed flowers and herbs and edged with a paper frill or greens, the arrangement was sometimes inserted into a silver filigree holder. When supplied by an admirer, a nosegay became a vehicle for the floral “language of love”— e.g., a red tulip was a. A small bunch of flowers; a bouquet. All rights reserved.
Nosegay
Although nosegay flowers gained popularity during the Victorian era, the history of the nosegay goes back much further. These posies date back in England to at least the 15 th century. A medieval nosegay was commonly called a tussie-mussie or tusemose. It consisted of a knot of flowers (tuse) wrapped with damp moss (mose). .
Secrets Of The Medieval Nosegay
The term “nosegay” may seem peculiar and outdated to some, but its origins are quite fascinating. The word itself is a combination of “nose” and “gay,” both of which had different meanings in the past than they do today. In the 15th century, when Middle English was spoken, “nose” referred to the organ on our faces that we use for smelling, just as it does now. However, “gay. . 
NOSEGAY Definition & Meaning
NOSEGAY meaning: 1. a small bunch of cut flowers 2. a small bunch of cut flowers. Learn more. .