nosegay
/'nouzgei/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present