Definition

Noun: 1. A small bunch of flowers: A posy is a small, often round, bouquet of cut flowers, typically given as a gift. 2. A single flower or a few flowers held together: It can also refer to a very small, simple floral arrangement, sometimes carried or worn.

Examples of Usage

• She carried a simple posy of wildflowers at her wedding.
• He bought a fragrant posy of violets for his mother.
• The children picked daisies to make little posies.

Advanced Usage

• "Nosegay": This is a more formal or old-fashioned synonym for a small, tight bouquet, often fragrant, carried to mask odors. A posy can be considered a type of nosegay.
  • The ladies at the ball carried delicate nosegays, or posies, of herbs and flowers.
• Historical/Archaic Meaning: In the past, "posy" could also refer to a short motto or line of poetry, especially one engraved inside a ring.
  • The gold ring bore a posy that read, "Forever thine."

Variants and Related Words

• Posy ring (noun): A historical type of finger ring, usually from the 15th-17th centuries, with a short inscription ("posy") on the inside.
  • The museum displayed a collection of antique posy rings.

Synonyms

• Bouquet
• Nosegay
• Bunch of flowers
• Spray (a small branch with flowers)

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym, but contrasting concepts could be a wreath (a circular arrangement) or a large, elaborate floral arrangement.

Related Phrases

• To give/present a posy: The standard phrase for the act of giving one.
  • It is traditional for the flower girl to present a posy to the bride.
• A bridal posy: A specific term for the small bouquet carried by a bride.
  • Her bridal posy was made of white roses and baby's breath.

Noun

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