cowslip Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun early spring flower common in British isles having fragrant yellow or sometimes purple flowers
    paigle; Primula veris.
  2. noun swamp plant of Europe and North America having bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups
    May blob; kingcup; water dragon; meadow bright; Caltha palustris; marsh marigold.

WordNet

Cow"slip` noun
Etymology
AS. cslyppe, csloppe, prob. orig., cow's droppings. Cf. Slop, n.
Definitions
(Bot.)
  1. A common flower in England (Primula veris) having yellow blossoms and appearing in early spring. It is often cultivated in the United States.
  2. In the United States, the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), appearing in wet places in early spring and often used as a pot herb. It is nearer to a buttercup than to a true cowslip. See Illust. of Marsh marigold.

Webster 1913