Nosegay
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"posy" redirects here. For the gossamer-winged butterflies, see Drupadia.
A nosegay, tussie-mussie, or posy is a small flower bouquet, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice.[1]
The term nosegay arose in fifteenth-century Middle English as a combination of nose and gay (which then meant "ornament"). So a nosegay was an ornament that appeals to the nose or nostril.[2]
The term tussie-mussie comes from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), when the small bouquets became a popular fashion accessory. Typically, tussie-mussies include floral symbolism from the language of flowers, and therefore may be used to send a message to the recipient.[3]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ "Head Garlands and Nosegays". Yankee Peddler Festival. May 14, 2008.
- ^ "Word of the Day: nosegay". Merriam-Webster Online. December 25, 2010.
- ^ Tussie-Mussies, the Victorian Art of Expressing Yourself in the Language of Flowers. Workman Publishing. 1993.
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