Where does “nosegay” come from?
Nosegay comes from Middle English nōsegai, which combines Middle English nōse with an element of uncertain origin and meaning.
nosegay (English): A small bunch of fragrant flowers or herbs tied...
Definitions
- A small bunch of fragrant flowers or herbs tied...
Ancestry of “nosegay”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Middle English | nōsegai | — |
| 2 | Middle English | nōse | nose |
| 3 | Old French | nous | Alternative form of nos |
| 4 | Latin | nōs | — |
| 5 | Proto-Italic | nōs | we |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | wéy | we |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | éǵh₂ | I |
Words derived from “nosegay”