mayweed

Fennel Fen"nel (f[e^]n"n[e^]l), n. [AS. fenol, finol, from L. feniculum, faeniculum, dim. of fenum, faenum, hay: cf. F. fenouil. Cf. {Fenugreek}. {Finochio}.] (Bot.) A perennial plant of the genus {F[ae]niculum} ({F[ae]niculum vulgare}), having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds. [1913 Webster]

Smell of sweetest fennel. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling bottle of the tender sex. --S. G. Goodrich. [1913 Webster]

{Azorean fennel}, or {Sweet fennel}, ({F[ae]niculum dulce}). It is a smaller and stouter plant than the common fennel, and is used as a pot herb.

{Dog's fennel} ({Anthemis Cotula}), a foul-smelling European weed; -- called also {mayweed}.

{Fennel flower} (Bot.), an herb ({Nigella}) of the Buttercup family, having leaves finely divided, like those of the fennel. {Nigella Damascena} is common in gardens. {Nigella sativa} furnishes the fennel seed, used as a condiment, etc., in India. These seeds are the ``fitches'' mentioned in Isaiah (xxviii. 25).

{Fennel water} (Med.), the distilled water of fennel seed. It is stimulant and carminative.

{Giant fennel} ({Ferula communis}), has stems full of pith, which, it is said, were used to carry fire, first, by Prometheus.

{Hog's fennel}, a European plant ({Peucedanum officinale}) looking something like fennel. [1913 Webster]