Word Study
fritillary
CIDE DICTIONARY
fritillary, n.
- A plant with checkered petals, of the genus Fritillaria: the Guinea-hen flower. See Fritillaria. [1913 Webster]
- One of several species of butterflies belonging to
Argynnis and allied genera; -- so called because the coloring of their wings resembles that of the commonFritillaria . See Aphrodite. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
fritillary, n. (pl. -ies)
1 any liliaceous plant of the genus Fritillaria, esp. snake's head, having pendent bell-like flowers.
2 any of various butterflies, esp. of the genus Argynnis, having red-brown wings chequered with black.
1 any liliaceous plant of the genus Fritillaria, esp. snake's head, having pendent bell-like flowers.
2 any of various butterflies, esp. of the genus Argynnis, having red-brown wings chequered with black.
Etymology
mod.L fritillaria f. L fritillus dice-box
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