Word Study
samphire
CIDE DICTIONARY
A fleshy, suffrutescent, umbelliferous European plant (Crithmum maritimum ). It grows among rocks and on cliffs along the seacoast, and is used for pickles. [1913 Webster]
"Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade!" [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
samphire, n.
1 an umbelliferous maritime rock plant, Crithmum maritimum, with aromatic fleshy leaves used in pickles.
2 the glasswort.
1 an umbelliferous maritime rock plant, Crithmum maritimum, with aromatic fleshy leaves used in pickles.
2 the glasswort.
Etymology
earlier samp(i)ere f. F (herbe de) Saint Pierre St Peter('s herb)
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