Word Study
cowslip
CIDE DICTIONARY
cowslip, n. [AS. c, c, prob. orig., cow's droppings. Cf. Slop, n. ].
- A common flower in England (
Primula veris ) having yellow blossoms and appearing in early spring. It is often cultivated in the United States. [1913 Webster] - In the United States, the marsh marigold (
Caltha palustris ), appearing in wet places in early spring and often used as a pot herb. It is nearer to a buttercup than to a true cowslip. See Illust. of Marsh marigold. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cowslip, n.
1 a primula, Primula veris, with fragrant yellow flowers and growing in pastures.
2 US a marsh marigold.
1 a primula, Primula veris, with fragrant yellow flowers and growing in pastures.
2 US a marsh marigold.
Etymology
OE cuslyppe f. cu COW(1) + slyppe slimy substance, i.e. cow-dung
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