costmary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun tansy-scented Eurasian perennial herb with buttonlike yellow flowers; used as potherb or salad green and sometimes for potpourri or tea or flavoring; sometimes placed in genus Chrysanthemum
    mint geranium; balsam herb; alecost; bible leaf; Tanacetum balsamita; Chrysanthemum balsamita.
  2. noun leaves used sparingly (because of bitter overtones) in sauces and soups and stuffings

WordNet

Cost"ma*ry noun
Etymology
L. costum an Oriental aromatic plant (Gr. , cf. Ar. kost, kust) + Maria Mary. Cf.Alecost.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A garden plant (Chrysanthemum Balsamita) having a strong balsamic smell, and nearly allied to tansy. It is used as a pot herb and salad plant and in flavoring ale and beer. Called also alecost.

Webster 1913