Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, hand-held bouquet of flowers: A "nosegay" is a small, often round, tightly arranged bunch of flowers, typically fragrant, that is held in the hand or carried.
   • A floral gift: It is traditionally given as a present, often for special occasions or as a token of affection.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The bride carried a delicate nosegay of roses and lavender.
  • He presented her with a sweet-smelling nosegay on their first date.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: In past centuries, a nosegay was sometimes carried to ward off unpleasant smells in crowded streets.
  • Ladies of the Victorian era often carried a nosegay, not just for beauty, but also as a practical accessory.

Variants and Related Words

• Posy (n): A synonym for a small bouquet of flowers, often used interchangeably with "nosegay," though "posy" can sometimes imply a simpler, single-flower arrangement.
  • She wore a simple posy pinned to her dress.
• Bouquet (n): A more general term for an arrangement of flowers, which is often larger and more elaborate than a nosegay.
  • The table was decorated with a large floral bouquet.

Synonyms

• Bouquet: An arrangement of flowers.
• Posy: A small bunch of flowers.
• Spray: A slender arrangement of flowers with stems.

Related Phrases

• To tussie-mussie: An archaic term closely related to nosegay, referring to a small, fragrant bouquet that often conveyed symbolic meanings through the language of flowers.

Noun

1. an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present