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primrosen.adj. Origin: Probably a borrowing from French. Etymon: French primerose. Etymology: Probably < Anglo-Norman primerose denoting a plant of the genus Primula (early 15th cent. in an apparently isolated attestation; compare Old French primerose in same sense (13th cent.)), apparently < prime prime adj. + rose rose n.1, although see note below. Compare post-classical Latin prima rosa (a1400 in Alphita as a synonym of primula veris : see primula n.). Compare earlier primerole n. and later primula n., and see discussion at these entries.Although the primrose or cowslip is among the first flowers to bloom in spring, it does not resemble a rose; the literal interpretation of Anglo-Norman and Old French primerose as ‘first rose’ or ‘earliest rose’ therefore does not seem completely satisfactory to explain its origin. It has been suggested that the French word may represent an alteration of primevoire cowslip (12th cent.; Middle French primevere , French primevère ; < an unattested post-classical Latin *prima vera spring (see primaveral adj.), the flower being so named as it flowers very early in spring), altered by association with Old French, Middle French, French passerose hollyhock (early 13th cent.; < passer pass v. + rose rose n.1, so named on account of the length of the stalk of the hollyhock, which considerably surpasses that of the rose). (Although French primerose is also attested in sense ‘hollyhock’ (1845 in this sense), any etymological connection or continuity between the 13th-cent. and the modern use seem very unlikely. The modern French use in sense ‘hollyhock’ probably represents an alteration of passerose after primevère , with prime- in primevère being apprehended as an (ornative) epithet: see Französisches etymol. Wörterbuch s.v. rosa.) In sense A. 1b probably after primerole n. or post-classical Latin primula (see primula n.), both of which are attested in the sense ‘daisy’. The original application of the word in English is uncertain; the 15th-cent. vocabularies and glossaries use it to gloss ligustrum ligustrum n., a plant noted in Roman poets for its white flowers (now identified as the privet (see privet n.1), but by early glossators taken to be a herb); but as ligustrum is also glossed by cowslepe , cowslope , and one explanation of prymrose in Promp. Parv. is primula (and in Catholicon Anglicum primula veris ), it is fairly certain that by the middle of the 15th cent. primrose was applied to either the cowslip or primula or both. In Turner's Libellus and Names of Herbes, primrose is certainly a Primula and probably the primrose; in Lyte, 1578, it is illustrated and is clearly the primrose (though the ‘cowslippe, oxelippe, and prymerose’ are all included as ‘kindes of Primeroses’). See also discussion at primula n. In form prima rose apparently after post-classical Latin prima rosa (see above). Apparently attested earlier as a surname, although it is unclear whether this reflects currency of the Middle English or the Anglo-Norman word: Hen. primerose (1365). A. n. I. The plant. 1. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > primrose and allied flowers > primrose or auricula a1425 (Stonyhurst) f. 37v Ligustum, a primrose or a cowshlipe. ?a1425 (?1373) (1938) f. 17 (MED) Cowslope is an erbe that his blossum is well like to prymrose. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville (Caxton) (1859) 75 One [world] is corowned with faire rede rosys,..and the thyrd with lusty prymerosys and lylyes entermellyd, and graciously arrayed. a1513 W. Dunbar Flyting in (1998) I. 206 Powderit with prymros, sawrand all with clowis. 1576 A. Fleming tr. Erasmus in 352 What man..euer sawe the Spring tide without Marche Violettes, Primeroses, and other pleasant floures? 1621 F. Quarles (1638) 117 Now plucks a Vi'let from her purple bed And then a Prim rose (the yeares Maidenhead). 1629 J. Parkinson 242 The name of Primula veris or Primrose, is indifferently conferred vpon those that I distinguish for Paralyses or Cowslips. I doe therefore..call those onely Primroses that carry but one flower vpon a stalke... And those Cowslips, that beare many flowers vpon a stalke together constantly. 1688 R. Holme ii. 70/1 Primroses are also double of variable colours. 1756 J. Hill 68 The cowslip has its particular name and particular virtues, and it is sufficiently distinguished by having several flowers upon a stalk, whereas in the primerose, there is but one. a1777 S. Foote (1778) ii. 31 The poor fellow's face is as pale as a primrose. 1856 ‘E. S. Delamer’ 101 Double Primroses delight in the same soil and situation as Polyanthuses, but are somewhat less robust. 1869 Mar. Supp. 4 I used to gather in armfuls primroses..and strong-scented tunhoof. 1931 A. Uttley xv. 201 Primroses made pale pools of light under the hedges. 1990 Nov. 25/4 The brightly coloured primroses have polyanthus blood in them and under warmer greenhouse conditions there is a tendency for the typical polyanthus flower stem to dominate in some of the plants. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > composite flowers > daisy 1579 T. Lupton v. 132 Of Prymroses, (which some takes to be the Daysie). the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > rose and allied flowers > rose > types of rose flower or bush 1864 J. R. Lowell 108 A kind of wild rose (called by the country folk the primrose). 1896 9 187 Rosa cinnamomea, L., primrose, Paris, Me. 2. With distinguishing word. 1629 J. Parkinson 264 The tree Primrose of Virginia. 1739 P. Miller at Onagra This Manner of the Flower opening in the Evening, has occasioned the Name of Night Primrose, by which some People call it. 1789 E. Darwin 71 The petals of this beautiful and fragrant shrub, as well as of the Oenothera, tree primrose, and others, continue expanded but a few hours, falling off about noon. 1806 J. E. Smith XXII. 1534 Œnothera biennis. Common Evening-Primrose. 1884 W. Miller 253/2 Streptocarpus, Cape Primrose. 1902 28 May 6/3 On entering the first tent, the visitor is face to face with..a wonderful bed of Cape primroses, creamy-white, mauve, and in many shades. 1995 July 44/1 It's a gumbo evening-primrose... It's white in the morning and as the day wears on it runs pink and then dies. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > primrose and allied flowers > allied flowers 1688 R. Holme ii. iv. 70 The Hose in Hose Primrose, hath upon every single stalk two flowers ingeminated, one standing and growing within the other. 1702 S. Gilbert (ed. 3) 21 The fair Red Primrose, a pleasant Flower, of a beautiful rich shining Velvet red Colour. 1773 W. Hanbury I. 740/2 The Double Crimson Primrose is the glory still of this tribe. 1796 W. Withering (ed. 3) II. 235 Primula farinosa..Birds-eye Primrose. Marshes and bogs on mountains in the north. 1825 52 2564 (heading) Primula Sinensis. Chinese Primrose. 1882 11 Mar. 171/1 This lovely Himalayan Primrose. 1928 17 Mar. 15/6 There are many fine primroses robust enough to brave our climate successfully... The Tibetan primrose P. Florindae..is an example. 1947 10 Apr. 17/2 Unlike the more common sorts, the foliage of the Japanese primrose is likely to be completely killed during the winter. 1996 83 (Suppl.) 192 The Idaho mountain primrose (Douglasia idahoensis) is a regional endemic of central Idaho. II. Extended and figurative uses. 3. figurative. the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [noun] > best thing or person the world > people > person > young person > [noun] a1450 (1969) l. 2022 A, Mekenesse, Charyte, and Pacyens, Prymrose pleyeth parlasent. a1450 in R. Morris (1871) 212 My swete sone..þou art þe flour,..My primerose, my paramour. ?a1475 (1922) 149 (MED) Heyle perle peerles, prime rose of prise. a1568 R. Ascham (1570) i. f. 20v Two noble Primeroses of Nobilitie, the yong Duke of Suffolke, and Lord H. Matreuers. 1579 E. Spenser Feb. 166 Was not I planted of thine owne hand, To be the primrose of all thy land? 1664 C. Cotton 86 O Dido Primrose of Perfection, Who only grantest kind Protection To wandring Trojans. 1753 S. Richardson I. xvi. 98 See what you can say to the Primrose of your heart! 1785 J. Atkinson iv. i. 70 Well, my primrose, what say you? 1906 C. M. Doughty VI. xxii. 99 But guirlanded, (who primrose of them all,) Is she that nighs, with budded eglantine. the world > life > source or principle of life > age > youth > [noun] the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] > state of society > faith > worship > sacrifice or a sacrifice > kinds of sacrifice > [noun] > of first fruits > that which is offered 1590 R. Greene ii. sig. K2 Mon dieu aide moy, That I with the primrose of my fresh wit, May tumble her tyrannie vnder my feete. 1611 R. Brathwait Sonn. iv. iii, in ii. sig. F8v But she [sc. Rosamond] poore wench did flourish for a while, Cropt in the primrose of her wantonnesse. 1647 J. Trapp 52 Gods soul hath desired such first ripe fruits, Mic. 7. 1, such primroses. 1650 J. Trapp (Lev. ii. 14) 116 God should bee served with the first-fruits of our age, the primrose of our childe-hood. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > soup or pottage > [noun] > other soups a1450 in T. Austin (1888) 25 Prymerose: Take oþer half-pound of Flowre of Rys, iij pound of Almaundys, half an vnce of hony & Safroune, & take þe flowre of þe Prymerose, & grynd hem, and temper hem vppe with Mylke of þe Almaundys [etc.]. 1562 G. Legh 64 Quater foyles, otherwise called, prime Roses. 1688 R. Holme ii. 70/1 He beareth Argent, a Prim Rose, growing out of a bunch of Leaves. 1779 H. Clark & T. Wormull 130 Quarterly first and fourth, or, a lion rampant, vert, second and third vert, three primroses in a double tressure counterflory, or. 1894 477 Primrose, this flower occurs in some few instances. Though the colour varies, the shape of the natural flower should be retained. 1969 J. P. Brooke-Little 202 What are to all intents and purposes cinquefoils, occur in the arms of Fraser, where they are termed ‘fraises’, of Primrose, where they are blazoned ‘primroses’, and of Lambert. 2003 Re: Blazon help in rec.heraldry (Usenet newsgroup) 7 June The green barbs [of roses] will tend to wash out visually & it will look more like a primrose or cinquefoil Or. 6. the world > matter > colour > named colours > yellow or yellowness > [noun] > pale yellow > greenish 1805 1 Aug. 3/4 A mob cap lined and trimmed with primrose. 1845 (1846) 6 6 Ground colour a clear primrose, edging a bright purple, petals very waxy. 1884 30 Aug. 762/3 A large range of colour..white, tan, primrose, water-green. 1909 15 June 7/5 The dress linens..have been prepared in many exquisite shades of leaf-green, pale primrose, hare-bell blue. 1992 Feb.–Mar. 23/1 Tones of yellow ranging from pale primrose to vivid lemon, to a near brass colour. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing agents > [noun] > soap > type of soap > specific 1899 26 Sept. 3/5 Fairbank's Finest American Soaps. Brown Almond, star Mottled, rainbow, Primrose. 1909 H. G. Wells (U.K. ed.) iii. i. 265 We had added to the original Moggs' Primrose several varieties of scented and super-fatted. c1938 56/2 Soaps, Household..Primrose Royal..per bar 1/3. B. adj.the world > matter > colour > named colours > yellow or yellowness > [adjective] > pale yellow > greenish 1788 12 May 2/3 An immense panache of white, blue and primrose feathers. 1815 June 274/1 Primrose sandals, and white kid gloves. 1844 N. P. Willis ii. 366 Serene in faultless boots and primrose glove. 1931 E. Raymond iii. ii. 225 Mary was in a jumper suit of primrose silk. 1976 25 Nov. 27/4 (advt.) Bathroom/w.c., half-tiled in Primrose, matching Primrose suite. 1994 L. A. Graf xviii. 181 Above them, curdling across the primrose sky, another smudgy veil of ash burped up above the mountain's crater. Compounds C1. a. General attributive. 1593 W. Shakespeare sig. Biiij This Primrose banke whereon I lie. View more context for this quotation 1684 A. Behn 269 I wait in the Meadow, and date this from the dear Primrose bank, where I have sat with Silvia. 1787 J. Thelwall I. 34 On the primrose bank reclin'd, Where circling woodbines grew. 1811 M. Holford 46 Thy crystal wave By yonder primrose bank is gliding. 1919 23 Jan. 13/3 There will be many a primrose bank again this spring, without its familiar robin's nest. 2002 (Nexis) 6 July 6 Enough plants for your very own primrose bank. 1600 W. Shakespeare i. i. 215 In the wood, where often you and I, Vpon faint Primrose beddes, were wont to lye. View more context for this quotation 1784 T. Holcroft i. v. 17 Then we, upon sweet primrose beds, Will rant our glees and rest our heads. 1843 J. Castillo 49 Down by the river to yon primrose bed. 1995 (Nexis) 6 July d1 I know some people who give their oysters as much attention as they would their favorite primrose bed. 1834 F. D. Hemans Happy Hour in H. F. Chorley (1836) II. 279 The wandering primrose-breath of May. 1915 H. D. Rawnsley 186 Woods are sweet with primrose breath. 1937 ‘R. Hyde’ 121 Yet when all thy snows be melted, All thy thaw with petals pelted, Light as April's primrose breath Thou shalt find her thoughts beneath. 1722 A. Ramsay (1961) III. ii. 166 The primrose Buds the Gowan knots appear With a' the rising Beautys of the year. 1863 E. C. Gaskell III. viii. 145 The pale delicate primrose buds were showing amid their fresh, green, crinkled leaves. 1968 3 Feb. 24/4 Protect polyanthus and primrose buds by stretching black cotton or Scaraweb over them. a1625 J. Fletcher (1679) iv. i. 224 The Prim-Rose Chaplet, taudry lace and Ring, Thou gavest her for her singing. 1777 T. Warton 56 His primrose-chaplet rudely torn. 1924 H. le Gallienne in S. A. Coblentz 179 A primrose chaplet I shall wear, And place upon my hair. 1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid (new ed.) xiii. f. 170 More whyght thou art then Primrose leaf [L. folio nivei ligustri]. 1699 J. Evelyn 68 Tansy..hot and cleansing; but in regard of its domineering relish..much fitter for the Pan being qualified with the Juices of..Spinach, Green Corn, Violet, Primrose-Leaves etc. 1747 T. Short 236 A Decoction of Primrose Leaves and flowers, in Wine, is good in all Diseases of the Breast and Lungs. 1886 10 July 99/1 Down green and shady lanes, where the primrose leaves were yellowing. 1929 6 Apr. 6/5 Have the druggist prepare a 10 per cent, tincture of primrose leaves for you. 2004 (Nexis) 6 Mar. 23 The primrose leaves crinkled like a Savoy cabbage, with the flowers just now unfolding. 1637 J. Milton 23 Brisk as the April buds in primrose season. 1753 S. Richardson I. xvi. 98 This is now the Primrose season with us in Caermarthen, Mr. Reeves. 1890 18 Feb. 3/1 They are as welcome as April buds in primrose season. 2001 I. McLean 83 Disraeli's last masterstroke had been to die just at the end of the primrose season. 1823 F. D. B. Hemans in (U.S. ed.) 5 439 By the primrose-stars in the shadowy grass. 1922 E. Nesbit 86 There were kingcups gold by the river's edge And primrose stars under every hedge. 1999 (Nexis) 31 Dec. 14 She pointed out the drift of wild violets beneath the Rectory hedge and the ditches clustered with primrose stars. 1648 R. Herrick sig. D7v Virgins promis'd when I dy'd, That they wo'd each Primrose-tide, Duely, Morne and Ev'ning, come, And with flowers dresse my Tomb. 1901 L. Morris 15 The white-robed Spring ere primrose-tide is done. 1922 A. Brown Let. in E. M. Tenison (1923) ix. 98 We were there, about five months, beginning at primrose tide. the world > matter > colour > named colours > yellow or yellowness > [noun] > pale yellow > greenish 1839 4 June 2/3 Those [photographic images] preserved by iodine are always of a very pale primrose yellow. 1860 W. Collins (new ed.) I. 83 Mrs Vesey and Miss Halcombe were richly clad.., the first in silver-gray, and the second in that delicate primrose-yellow colour. 1954 T. S. Eliot i. 32 I thought a primrose yellow would be cheerful. 2002 May 53/2 She named the primrose-yellow rose with the lemony perfume herself—calling it ‘Clarence House’. b. Similative and objective. the world > matter > colour > named colours > yellow or yellowness > [noun] > pale yellow > greenish 1600 Court Rec. 8 Oct. in H. Stevens (1886) 36 8 venice greenes..4 olive Collers..4 primerose Collers. 1629 J. Parkinson 244 Of the very same Primrose colour that the former is of. 1792 W. Withering (ed. 2) III. 390 Gills..waved at the edges, tender, primrose-colour. 1863 12 188 The lime at first becomes of a pale primrose-colour, which gradually deepens to a fine lemon-yellow. 1932 W. Faulkner xvii. 375 When they reached the cabin at last the east was primrosecolor. 2004 Feb. 148/1 Flower-embroidered waffle-weave towels or plain fluffy towels in primrose colors. 1908 at Primrose sb. (a.) Primrose-picker. 1987 (Nexis) 26 June (headline) ‘Flower power’ law traps primrose picker... A man has been fined pounds 25 for digging up two wild primroses. c. Parasynthetic and instrumental. the world > matter > colour > named colours > yellow or yellowness > [adjective] > pale yellow > greenish 1747 J. Warton x. 36 Lo! Spring, array'd in primrose-colour'd robe. 1888 2 Jan. 7/4 The young..Lady Mansfield in her primrose-coloured dress. 1998 (Nexis) 5 Dec. 14 The whole school should wear primrose-coloured socks. 1870 L. M. Knightley Jrnl. 16 Apr. in (1915) xv. 192 We knelt together in the primrose-decked church. 1994 (Nexis) 8 Apr. 22 It is an 18-mile trek off the main roads along the wild, primrose-decked lanes. 1835 F. D. Hemans Remembrance of Nature in (1839) VII. 285 Feeding my thoughts in primrose-haunted nooks. 1933 27 May 15/6 Many a cool primrose-haunted copse..might be transformed into a paradise. 1787 W. Withering I. 424 (margin) Primrose scented. 1841 L. H. Sigourney 186 Round the Maypole circling gay In the primrose-scented vale. 2004 (Nexis) 26 Dec. The..lightly primrose-scented blooms of iris known as Mary Barnard look lovely for weeks from December to February. 1811 M. R. Mitford (ed. 2) 54 And still, no infant better loves To view the primrose-spangled groves. 1924 G. D. H. Cole xxi. 319 The springy turf, the wooded coombes and picturesque hangars, the primrose-spangled lawns. 1866 D. Wingate 25 When the hawthorn bud is bursting, When thy banks are primrose-starred. 1871 14 Jan. 40/2 A mist of bluebells in an April copse, a primrose-starred bank. 1909 3 Nov. 2/3 Oh, God o' mercy, how the lanes are primrose-sweet this spring! 1796 J. Moser I. ii. xi. 112 A primrose tinted girdle, and sandals of the same colour, compleated her dress. 1850 J. Ingelow i. 74 One primrose-tinted blossom On her feet its petals sheds. 1995 (Nexis) 29 July 5 Whether we preferred scratchy loo paper or the planet-destroying scented primrose-tinted toilet kind. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [adjective] > wearing clothing for body (and limbs) > wearing a waistcoat 1919 J. Joyce Ulysses ix. [Scylla & Charybdis] in May 17 Primrosevested he greeted gaily with his doffed Panama as with a bauble. C2. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > primrose and allied flowers > oxlip 1629 J. Parkinson 244 Paralysis altera odorata flore pallido polyanthos. The Primrose Cowslip. a1637 B. Jonson Pans Anniv. 14 in (1640) III The Prime-rose drop, the Springs owne spouse. the world > action or operation > easiness > [noun] > that which is easy > easy way or method the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > erring > errant conduct > [noun] > way towards society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > [noun] > going astray > the wrong path or evil way 1604 W. Shakespeare i. iii. 50 Doe not as some vngracious pastors doe, Showe me the step and thorny way to heauen Whiles a puft, and reckles libertine Himselfe the primrose path of dalience treads. View more context for this quotation 1763 J. Wilkes in 3 106 Wit is an ignis fatuus, which leads us astray. It is the primrose path, which conducts to folly. 1782 J. Logan 16 At eve, the primrose path along, The milkmaid shortens with a song Her solitary way. 1882 J. A. Froude I. xix. 355 Never to sell his soul by travelling the primrose path to wealth and distinction. 1928 4 Dec. 9/2 Not every small town girl [on Broadway]..scoots to hell in a handbasket. There are many detours along the primrose path and they are frequently taken by those who see pitfalls ahead. 1991 T. Mitchell v. 166 As it is, most people do not transgress one taboo after another and set off on the primrose path to ruin. 1831 E. FitzGerald (1889) I. 8 So winter passeth Like a long sleep From falling autumn To primrose-peep. a1864 J. Clare (1935) 166 And 'neath the hanging bushes creep For violet-bud and primrose-peep. 1891 A. Austin 95 Forlorn, forsaken, shall I be until Primrose peep and throstle shrill. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing agents > [noun] > soap > type of soap > specific 1796 M. Edgeworth Mimic in (ed. 2) II. 127 A fresh assortment of the new-invented, much admired Primrose Soap. 1871 1 Nov. 11/5 He was sent out with a load of primrose soap. 1988 (Nexis) 8 Oct. f29 Soaps, unpackaged, are offered in wide variety. They include bee-pollen, glycerine..witch hazel and primrose soaps. the world > life > source or principle of life > age > youth > [noun] 1606 9 Ile pranke my selfe with flowers of the prime, And thus Ile spend away my primrose time. a1784 G. A. Stevens (1788) 81 One primrose time, a maiden brown, Wishing for what we will not say, By side of shepherd sat her down. 1892 F. T. Palgrave xxi. 182 They, whose primrose-time is past, Enjoy in your enjoying. 1993 (Nexis) 9 May 16/1 The bumblebees were buzzing all over the bluebells, and the May apples were just about to bloom... This is primrose time, for sure. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > evening primrose and allied flowers 1728 R. Bradley Lysimachia siliquosa Virginiana, is in English, Virginian Codded Loosestrife, and Primrose-Tree, a Plant making a beautiful shew in a large garden. 1760 J. Lee App. 324 Primrose-tree, Oenothera. 1813 C. Marshall (ed. 5) 353 Primrose tree, makes a pretty show, but produces so much seed, that it becomes rather a troublesome weed. 1857 F. Gerhard 245 The marshy ground commences, upon which thrive the Iris versicolor,..the primrose-tree (Lysimachia), liver-wort (Eupatoria). 1996 (Nexis) 14 July k9 For smallish wind-proof beach-side trees, Bill Long at Coastal Zone also suggests..the fast primrose tree (Lagunaria). the world > action or operation > easiness > [noun] > that which is easy > easy way or method the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > erring > errant conduct > [noun] > way towards society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > [noun] > going astray > the wrong path or evil way a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iii. 18 Some of all Professions, that goe the Primrose way to th'euerlasting Bonfire. View more context for this quotation 1781 J. Pinkerton 75 Joys that carol, Sports that stray O'er laughing Pleasure's primrose way. 1817 W. Scott v. xiii. 156 Chief they lay Their snares beside the primrose way. 1930 25 Jan. 10/3 It is his case that Mary should leave her high-minded husband and go the primrose way with him. 2001 (Nexis) 9 May b9 Hardened veterans will know this is the primrose way to destruction. 1756 P. Browne 208 Oenothera. 1. The smooth Primrose-willow... 2. The hairy Primrose-willow... 3. The small creeping Primrose-willow. 1908 B. L. Robinson & M. L. Fernald (ed. 7) 594 Jussiaea L. Primrose-willow... Herbs..with mostly entire and alternate leaves, and axillary yellow flowers in summer. 1982 C. R. Bell & B. J. Taylor 181/2 Primrose Willow, Ludwigia peruviana... Solitary plants or large thickets of these tropical weeds are often found along swamp or pond margins. C3. With reference to the association of the primrose with the memory of Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield (1804–81). a. 1883 29 Mar. 8/1 ‘Primrose Day’ has within a year become a household word all over the country, and it is evident that henceforth the primrose will always be associated with Lord Beaconsfield's name. 1898 9 Dec. 8/1 Although Sir George Birdwood has never publicly claimed any credit in that direction, we are, we believe, not very wide of the mark in suggesting that he was the originator of ‘Primrose Day’. 1957 R. Hiscocks v. 79 The institution of Primrose Day..was..a deliberate effort by the Conservative Party to exploit the emotional value of such an association. 1996 R. Mabey 165/1 A more formal celebration is Primrose Day on 19 April when primrose flowers are placed on Disraeli's statue in front of Westminster Abbey. society > authority > rule or government > politics > British politics > British political associations > [noun] > Primrose League 1883 (title) Primrose League. 1912 G. K. Chesterton ii. ii. 240 I have faced many a political crisis in the old Primrose League days at Herne Bay. 1959 B. North & R. North tr. M. Duverger (ed. 2) i. i. 66 The Primrose League, an organization distinct from the party proper, aimed at social mixing. 1999 (Nexis) 22 June 8 At the age of 22 he [sc. Winston Churchill] spoke to the Primrose League—then linked to the Conservative Party. society > authority > rule or government > politics > British politics > British political associations > [noun] > Primrose League > member or adherent of 1884 E. W. Hamilton 21 Mar. (1972) II. 581 Mrs. G...carried a splendid bouquet of primroses,..to show that the ‘Primrose Leaguers’ have no title to appropriate the flower to themselves. 1923 J. M. Murry 146 Disraeli..was a far more remarkable man than the most enthusiastic Primrose Leaguer has ever imagined. 1996 (Nexis) 16 Nov. 71 No suffragette or soldier or Fabian or Primrose Leaguer of 1910. society > authority > rule or government > politics > British politics > British political associations > [adjective] > of or relating to Primrose League 1886 Sir A. Borthwick in July 39 The badges are..an absolute introduction into all Primrose Circles. 1891 2 Dec. 6/2 In the accompanying cartoon a Primrose dame is depicted fastening a primrose posy into Mr. Chamberlain's button-hole. 1900 26 May 8/2 The noble marquis..told the Primrose ladies to prepare for a European war. 1999 (Nexis) 1 Jan. 17 The days when the great democracy of the country can be cajoled by primrose dames and bribed by candidates who have more money than political intelligence. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022). primrosev. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: primrose n. Etymology: < primrose n. With sense 1 compare earlier nut v. 1, and also blackberrying n. the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > picking or gathering > [verb (intransitive)] > gather flowers 1830 M. R. Mitford Let. in A. G. L'Estrange (1870) II. 301 I..had gone to a copse primrosing. 1830 M. R. Mitford IV. 130 She..liked nothing so well as to..run about the woods and fields..primrosing or bird's-nesting, according to the season. 1941 E. Bowen 122 This afternoon..we'll go primrosing. 1949 J. Brooke ii. i. 73 Often we picnicked and primrosed in the wood for hours without meeting the keeper. 1973 J. Thomson vi. 88 To go bird's-nesting, or blackberrying or primrosing. 1982 (Nexis) 28 Feb. 19 My family..used to celebrate this ephemeral foretaste of spring by going a-primrosing. On the first available Sunday afternoon we sauntered down to the woods to pick bunches of primroses. society > authority > rule or government > politics > British politics > British political associations > [verb (intransitive)] > take part in Primrose League 1888 19 Apr. 5/7 One section of the Unionist party went primrosing with Mr. Smith. 1892 13 Apr. 7/6 To go ‘primrosing’ about the country in any such a way was a gross breach of the duties of his office. Derivatives 1851 H. R. Geldart i. 2 She had scarcely numbered twelve Mays, and was at the age when primrosing and violeting have not lost their charms. 1890 31 May 545/1 The joyous days of the bluebell gathering by the Greta; of the primrosing at Armathwaite and Mirehouse. 1928 10 Mar. 5/3 There are few of the many who enjoy the country who will be able to resist primrosing. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  n.adj.a1425 v.1830 |
