Word Study
ferula
CIDE DICTIONARY
ferula, n. [L. ferula giant fennel (its stalks were used in punishing schoolboys), rod, whip, fr. ferire to strike; akin to OHG. berjan, Icel. berja. Cf. Ferule.].
- A ferule. Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]
- The imperial scepter in the Byzantine or Eastern Empire. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ferula, n.
1 any plant of the genus Ferula, esp. the giant fennel (F. communis), having a tall sticklike stem and thick roots.
2 = FERULE.
1 any plant of the genus Ferula, esp. the giant fennel (F. communis), having a tall sticklike stem and thick roots.
2 = FERULE.
Etymology
ME f. L, = giant fennel, rod
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