'Polygala vulgaris' definitions:

Definition of 'Polygala vulgaris'

noun

Small European perennial with numerous branches having racemes of blue, pink or white flowers; formerly reputed to promote human lactation [syn: common milkwort, gand flower, Polygala vulgaris]

Definition of 'Polygala vulgaris'

From: GCIDE

Milkwort \Milk"wort`\, n. (Bot.) A genus of plants (Polygala) of many species. The common European Polygala vulgaris was supposed to have the power of producing a flow of milk in nurses. [1913 Webster]
Note: The species of Campanula, or bellflower, are sometimes called milkwort, from their juice. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Polygala vulgaris'

From: GCIDE

Rogation \Ro*ga"tion\, n. [L. rogatio, fr. rogare, rogatum, to ask, beg, supplicate: cf. F. rogation. Cf. Abrogate, Arrogant, Probogue.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) The demand, by the consuls or tribunes, of a law to be passed by the people; a proposed law or decree. [1913 Webster]
2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication. [1913 Webster]
He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in use. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
Rogation days (Eccl.), the three days which immediately precede Ascension Day; -- so called as being days on which the people, walking in procession, sang litanies of special supplication.
Rogation flower (Bot.), a European species of milkwort (Polygala vulgaris); -- so called from its former use for garlands in Rogation week. --Dr. Prior.
Rogation week, the second week before Whitsunday, in which the Rogation days occur. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Polygala vulgaris'

From: GCIDE

Gang-flower \Gang"-flow`er\, n. (Bot.) The common English milkwort (Polygala vulgaris), so called from blossoming in gang week. --Dr. Prior. [1913 Webster]