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Vervain

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Called “holy herb,” from its use in ancient sacred rites. Also called “pigeonsʹ grass,” “Juno’s tears,” and “simpler’s joy.” Supposed to cure scrofula, the bite of rabid animals, to arrest the diffusion of poison, to avert antipathies, to conciliate friendships, and to be a pledge of mutual good faith; hence it was anciently worn by heralds and ambassadors. (See Roodselken.)

Verbena is the botanical name.

“The term Verbena (quasi herbena) originally denoted all those herbs that were held sacred on account of their being employed in the rites of sacrifice.”—Mill: Logic, book iv. chap. v. p. 485.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Verger
Vernon
Veronese
Veronica
Versailles of Poland
Versaillese (The)
Versi Berneschi
Vert [green]
Vertumnus
Verulam Buildings (London)
Vervain
Vesica Piscis (Latin, fish-bladder)
Vesper Hour
Vesta
Vestal Virgin
Veto (Monsieur and Madame)
Vetturino [Vettu-reeno]
Via Dolorosa
Vial
Viaticum (Latin)
Vicar